Broiler container with a base and side walls, which is designed and set up for receiving and holding at least five living broilers, in particular as part of a unit and an arrangement of a transport trailer

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to broiler containers having a floor and side walls defining an inner volume which is designed and configured to receive and accommodate at least five live broilers, wherein the broiler container is designed and configured to be stackable with broiler containers of the same construction and has at least one ventilation opening and at least one air outflow opening, which broiler container is characterised in that the broiler container comprises at least one segment of a ventilation or air outflow column which extends through the inner volume and has at least one ventilation or air outflow opening at a distance from the side walls, wherein each segment of the ventilation or air outflow column is designed and configured for connection to corresponding segments of broiler containers of the same construction and also for connection to an active ventilation system. The invention relates also to a unit comprising at least two containers, to an arrangement comprising a unit and a ventilation system, to a transport trailer, to a poultry slaughterhouse, and to a method for ventilating the broilers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Stage of International Patent ApplicationNo. PCT/EP2015/052398 filed on Feb. 5, 2015, which claims the benefit ofDanish Patent Application Nos. PA 2014 70061, filed on Feb. 5, 2014; PA2014 70064, filed on Feb. 5, 2014; PA 2014 70062, filed on Feb. 5, 2014;PA 2014 70060, filed on Feb. 5, 2014; PA 2014 70063, filed on Feb. 5,2014; and PA 2014 70058, filed on Feb. 5, 2014, the disclosures of whichare hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a broiler container having a floor andside walls defining an inner volume which is designed and configured toreceive and accommodate at least five live broilers, wherein the broilercontainer is designed and configured to be stackable with broilercontainers of the same construction and has at least one ventilationopening and at least one air outflow opening.

State of the Art

Broiler containers (also called broiler transport containers, transportcontainers or containers in the following) of this type are known fromGB 2 129 672 A and EP 0 867 113 A2, for example, and are very widelyused in the transport of poultry from farms to slaughterhouses.

The invention relates also to a unit (also called a transport unit orbroiler transport unit in the following) which is designed andconfigured to receive and accommodate live broilers during rearingand/or during transport of the broilers to the slaughterhouse and/orwhile the live broilers are awaiting processing in the region of theslaughterhouse, comprising at least two containers. Broilers can betransported from farms to slaughterhouses in broiler transport units asdescribed in WO 2011/010329 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,141, wherein duringtransport the broilers are supplied with fresh air by naturalventilation, which is effected by the movement of the trailer, andventilation air can be guided to the outside of the broiler transportunits when the trailer is stopped.

Broilers are slaughter-ready chickens or hens or turkeys which arereared to be ready for slaughter for supplying meat to consumers, andthey have fully developed plumage and a considerable weight of at least1.6 kg per broiler.

An overview of current practices is given by the European Food SafetyAuthority in the scientific report “Overview on current practices ofpoultry slaughtering and poultry meat inspection” by Dr. Ulrich Löhren,Supporting Publications 2012: EN-298. In the report, the transportcontainers are referred to as crates and are to be distinguished fromliners, which are cages that are fixed to the truck and cannot beunloaded, and container systems, which are transport units having aplurality of floors in a fixed frame, as described, for example, in EP 0384 530 A1. According to the report, 30% of broilers are currently(2012) transported in the broiler transport containers that are relevantfor the present invention, and 70% are transported in container systems.

As described in GB 2 129 672 A, European regulations require broilercontainers with fixed floors, the main purpose of which is to preventbird droppings from containers that are situated at the top of a stackof containers from falling onto birds in containers beneath. Unitscomprising at least two broiler containers are known from EP 1 330 952B1 and EP 0 384 530 A1, for example, and are very widely used in thetransport of poultry from farms to slaughterhouses and provide a veryhigh transport capacity. The basis of the broiler transport containersis that they are placed in frame systems as described in EP 1 330 952B1, for example, and held therein during transport. These frames mustalso be cleaned and, because of their size, require very large washingmachines.

Transport units having a plurality of floors are currently filled byfilling a floor starting with the lower floor. An example thereof isdescribed in EP 0 384 530 A1, where part of the upper floors is pushedto the side in order to gain access to the lower floor. After the lowerfloor has been loaded, the floor above it is closed and the loadingoperation is continued on that floor, and so on, until the transportunit is fully loaded. The displacement of floor regions for opening andclosing access is simple and can be carried out quickly and reliably.This is considered to be one of the factors which explain the extensiveuse of transport units for broiler transport. Systems for catching andfeeding broilers are widespread because they permit mechanical catchingof the broilers. A broiler catcher is described in U.S. Pat. No.4,508,062, and such systems currently deliver broilers at rates of from50 per minute to more than 200 per minute. The loading of broilers intothe transport units accordingly takes place quickly, and easy andreliable operation of the transport unit during loading is a factor tobe taken into consideration.

SUMMARY

These regulations have been set aside, however, because it has proved tobe impossible in practice to achieve adequate ventilation of broilertransport containers with fixed floors. Although the problem of birddroppings is very relevant, inadequate ventilation not only leads to alarger number of birds dying during transport, but also to reduced meatquality owing to increased stress levels in the live birds. The numberof birds which are dead on arrival (DOA) at the slaughterhouse and thefrequency of so-called PSE (pale, soft, exudative) meat, which is a signof stress, are widely used parameters for assessing the efficiency ofbroiler transport.

Openings in the floors of the broiler transport containers, on the otherhand, are associated with the risk of birds becoming caught therein, inparticular in the case of longer journeys during which, for example, atoe protruding into an opening may swell and the toe may become trappedin the floor.

Even in the case of broiler transport containers or in the case of unitsformed from a plurality of containers having a very large number ofopenings both in the floors and in the side walls, it has proveddifficult to ensure adequate ventilation, in particular during warmweather conditions, even if transport takes place during the night or inthe early hours of the morning. When a trailer or truck is not moving,for example if the truck transporting the broiler transport containersor stack thereof comes to a halt, for example in a traffic jam, thenatural ventilation decreases because the airstream which is producedwhen the vehicle is moving disappears. In order to achieve more reliableventilation, trailers or trucks have been provided with mechanicalventilation by positioning ventilators at the end of the vehicle whichventilate an aisle, or by positioning ventilators at the side of thevehicle which ventilate across the vehicle. Despite these efforts, thepercentage of reduced-quality meat due to stress-related imperfectionssuch as PSE is still considerable, and the welfare of the broilersduring transport is a concern.

Both broiler transport containers and container systems are excellentfrom the point of view only of transport from the farm to theslaughterhouse, but experience has shown that they are relativelydifficult to clean, which leads to a risk of cross-infection betweenfarms if broiler containers or container systems are returned for use inanother transport cycle. In order to counteract this potentialbiological safety problem, most slaughterhouses are equipped withadvanced cleaning systems, including highly specialised containerwashing apparatuses and frequently also soaking tanks.

Both the frames as such and also, in particular, the broiler transportcontainers can be associated with a particular cross-infection problemwhich involves the accumulation of dirt in the floor structure, becausethey are usually set down directly onto the floor of the shed, which isnaturally contaminated with bird droppings. The reinforcing ribs on thefloor of the broiler transport containers typically extend in crossedpatterns, with the result that a floor has many rows of cubic cavitiesin which dirt can accumulate and adhere to the sides of the ribs. Theframes have recesses for the forks of a forklift truck. On driving withthe frame in the shed immediately before loading onto the transporttrailer, dirt from the floor is scraped into the recesses andtransferred to the trailer together with the frame with the broilertransport containers carrying the live broilers. Such an accumulation ofdirt can lead to a large amount of dirt being loaded onto the trailer.

The invention relates also to an arrangement comprising at least oneunit according to any one of claims 24 to 30 and at least oneventilation system.

The invention relates also to a transport trailer designed andconfigured to transport units in particular according to any one ofclaims 24 to 30, which are designed and configured to receive andaccommodate live broilers, to a slaughterhouse.

The carrying capacity of a transport trailer is typically limited toapproximately 24 t for a standard trailer, and the loading capacity istypically limited in terms of height to 2.7 m for a standard trailer.Different limits can apply for special trailer sizes, such as, forexample, for trailers having twin-axle chassis or for trailers havingadditional chassis, extra-large trucks, etc. However, the problem withcurrent broiler transport trailers and broiler transport containersystems, namely that dirt accumulates and accumulations of dirt in thefloor regions are carried onto the trailer, is independent of the typeof trailer.

The invention relates also to a method for ventilating live broilersduring rearing and/or during transport of the broilers to theslaughterhouse and/or while the live broilers are awaiting processing inthe region of the slaughterhouse. The broiler transport units are loadedwith broilers on the farm and are then loaded onto the broiler transporttrailer and transported to the slaughterhouse, where the broilertransport units are unloaded from the trailer before the broilers areprocessed. The broiler transport units with broilers can be unloaded andleft at the slaughterhouse, and empty broiler transport units, forexample, can be loaded onto the trailer, which is then driven to thefarm to be loaded with broilers again.

If a trailer or truck is not moving, for example if the trucktransporting the broiler transport units comes to a halt, for example ina traffic jam, the natural ventilation decreases because the wind causedby the speed of the moving vehicle disappears. In order to achieve morereliable ventilation, trailers or trucks have been provided withmechanical ventilation by positioning ventilators at the end of thevehicle which ventilate an aisle, or by positioning ventilators at theside of the vehicle which ventilate across the vehicle.

The invention relates also to a broiler slaughterhouse having a broilerlairage region for live poultry.

Lairage regions are used for accommodating the poultry after it has beenunloaded from the vehicle transporting it to the slaughterhouse until itis received in the processing system of the slaughterhouse. The lairageregion serves as a buffer and allows for transport delays caused bytraffic and other circumstances. Different countries have differentlairage requirements, but regulations generally require that everyanimal is protected from adverse weather conditions and that any animalexposed to high temperatures during humid weather is cooled by suitablemeans. In order to meet these requirements and prevent the time inlairage from increasing the stress levels of the poultry, which couldimpair the quality of the meat, many large slaughterhouses have investedheavily in lairage buildings. These buildings are air-conditioned andfrequently also equipped with special lighting and conveying systems fortransporting the poultry transport unit, in order to optimise thedelivery of the poultry to stunning and slaughtering sections of theslaughterhouse. This works very well but is associated with considerableinvestment and operating costs.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a broiler containerwhich allows the keeping of broilers with less stress and improvedhygiene for the broilers, in particular during transport, in order toimprove the welfare of the broilers and the resulting quality of themeat. The object further consists in proposing a corresponding method.

In light of the above, the broiler container according to the presentinvention is characterised in that the broiler container comprises atleast one segment of a ventilation or air outflow column which extendsthrough the inner volume and has at least one ventilation or air outflowopening at a distance from the side walls, wherein each segment of theventilation or air outflow column is designed and configured forconnection to corresponding segments of broiler containers of the sameconstruction and also for connection to an active ventilation system.The term “segment” in connection with the ventilation or air outflowcolumn means that it can be a longitudinal-axis section of a column or across-sectional section of a column. Using the example of a cylindricalcolumn, the segment for a longitudinal-axis section can describe asection of a column having a circular cross-section, that is to say acolumn of small height. The segment for a cross-sectional section can,however, also describe a section of the column that is semicircular orquadrant-shaped. The joining of a plurality of segments of adjacentcontainers leads in all cases to a common column. Each ventilationcolumn can also be an air outflow column, depending on whether anoverpressure or a low pressure is generated by the ventilation system.Therefore, any reference in the following to a ventilation column cancorrespondingly also mean the air outflow column and vice versa.Reference is also made generally only to the column in the following.

The broiler container is preferably of a size and is also designed andconfigured for transporting the broilers. However, the broiler containercan optionally also be used as a stationary container for rearing(so-called nesting) or while the live broilers are awaiting processingin the region of the slaughterhouse, which includes stunning (so-calledgas stunning) of the broilers.

The broiler container preferably has a carrying capacity of at least 45kg/m², and the at least one ventilation or air outflow opening of thesegment of the ventilation or air outflow column is situated in theinner volume at a distance of at least 0.17 m from the side walls. Forsufficiently efficient broiler transport, it is important that thebroiler transport container has a floor with a carrying capacity of atleast 45 kg/m². In connection with the present invention it has beenfound that, if the carrying capacity of the floor is less than 45 kg/m²,it is not possible to load at least 28 broilers per square metre, andthis would allow broilers to experience discomfort during transportbecause they are able to move around. Broilers are gregarious animalswhich feel comfortable when they are close to one another. Thisbehaviour can be observed in the breeding region, where the floortypically has a very large surface area. At the beginning, when thebirds are small, they tend to cluster together in a small area, and whenthey grow, they occupy an ever larger portion of the floor area. Whenthey have grown to a slaughter-ready broiler size, they typically fillthe entire floor area, and this has then already been the case for sometime. Transport is a completely new experience for the broilers, and itis considered to be an advantage if they are all kept very close to oneanother. It would be best if they could be so close together that theycan also support one another at the sides when the trailer travels rounda bend. However, the closer they are together, the more difficult itbecomes to provide the correct ventilation for broilers in the innerportions of the inner volume.

The provision of at least one ventilation opening in the inner volume ofthe broiler transport container at a distance from the side wallsprovides adequate ventilation for the broilers that are situated in theinner volume behind at least one outer row of other broilers. Incontainers of the prior art having a large number of ventilationopenings in the side walls and in the floor, the ventilation forbroilers inside the container is not considered to be adequate oreffective enough under all transport conditions, and it is now believedthat this is caused by the fully developed plumage of the broilers.

During transport, the outermost line or row of broilers can block orhinder ventilation from outside into the broiler transport containerthrough the side walls, and the ventilation rate flowing upwards throughthe floor can likewise be insufficient, because the plumage of thebroilers represents a barrier to ventilation in the vertical directionin the inner volume of the broiler transport container. When thebroilers are upset, for example when travelling over a bumpy road, theymay lift their wings and thereby also block the headspace in the upperportion of the inner volume. The broiler transport container accordingto the present invention has at least one ventilation column whichextends into the inner volume, and this ventilation column improves theventilation conditions for broilers which are surrounded by otherbroilers in the container, to a considerable degree.

At least one ventilation opening is situated in the inner volume with adistance of at least 0.17 m between the opening and all the side walls.The distance of at least 0.17 m ensures that there is a ventilationopening within the inner volume for supplying ventilation to broilersbehind broilers that are standing along the side walls. Whentransporting turkey broilers, it may be expedient to increase thedistance of the at least one ventilation opening from the side walls.Further ventilation openings in the inner volume of the broilertransport unit can be provided at larger distances from the side walls,in particular when the broiler transport container is of a size fortransporting a large number of broilers.

The at least one ventilation column extending into the inner volume andthe at least one ventilation opening at a distance from the side wallsallow each broiler transport container to be ventilated from inside thecontainer outwards, which is in contrast to broiler transport containersof the prior art, in which ventilation takes place from the outsideinwards through the side walls and the floor. Ventilation from withinthe inner volume provides better ventilation to broilers standing in theinner volume behind other broilers at the side walls, and the birds arebetter able to dissipate the heat generated during their stay in thetransport container. The conditions for the broilers are thus better,and the extreme stress situations caused by overheating are minimised oravoided. The occurrence of PSE meat in the meat obtained afterslaughtering is expected to be very low.

In one embodiment, the broiler transport container has four side wallswhich form two pairs of opposing side walls, the at least one segmentfor forming at least one ventilation or air outflow column extends fromthe floor upwards through the inner volume, the at least one ventilationor air outflow column is preferably formed integrally with the floor,and the at least one ventilation or air outflow column is optionallysituated in at least one row between one pair of opposing side walls ata distance of approximately D/(N+1), where D is the distance between theone pair of opposing side walls and N is the number of ventilation orair outflow columns in the at least one row. The at least oneventilation column is preferably integral with the floor, for exampleinjection moulded together with the floor. Because the ventilationcolumn extends from the floor upwards, the at least one ventilationopening can be situated at such a height in the inner volume, andamongst the broilers, that ventilation air is provided above the breastheight of the broilers, so that the necks of the broilers are free infresh air. The plumage of some broilers accordingly does not block airto nearby broilers. In this embodiment, the ventilation air is suppliedsufficiently evenly to the inner regions of the inner volume in thebroiler transport container, to the advantage of the welfare of thebroilers. The embodiment with the spacing of approximately D/(N+1) isadvantageous in particular with regard to symmetry, because the broilertransport containers can be stacked with the one end or the other endfacing the operator and the at least one ventilation column neverthelessfits a corresponding ventilation column in the lower broiler transportcontainer, and it is expedient for the operator that a broiler transportcontainer cannot be wrongly oriented during stacking, particularlybecause the final placement of an empty container can occur at the sametime as the position of a broiler delivery opening in a broiler loadingdevice can be shifted in order to deliver broilers into the emptycontainer.

The ventilation column further subdivides the floor region, which cancounteract a tendency of broilers in the container all to move towardsone location, where some of them can become trapped, and the distancebetween the side walls and the column ensures that broilers can stillstand in the region between the column and the side walls withoutbecoming trapped. In this respect too, the ventilation column thusimproves the welfare of the broilers, particularly when the broilertransport container is large and three, four or five ventilation columnsare provided per container.

The broiler transport container can also have a triangular base area andthree side walls or a polygonal base area and five or more side walls.

The shape and size of the at least one ventilation column shouldpreferably be chosen with due regard to keeping a relatively large innerfloor surface region available for the broilers. In one embodiment, theat least one ventilation column has an annular cross-section with ahollow middle, which extends over the height of the column. Such aconstruction offers even surfaces, preferably without corners in thecolumn, which is advantageous for cleaning after each broiler transport.

The filling of broilers into the broiler transport container can takeplace very quickly, for example at a rate of from 50 to more than 200broilers per minute, and the individual broilers can enter the broilertransport container at a very high speed. It is advantageous if the atleast one column is of such a shape that it is suitable for contact withbroilers that hit the column with some speed, because the risk ofinjuries such as bruising and broken wings should preferably beminimised. If the ventilation column has an outside diameter in therange of from 7 cm to 30 cm, such as, for example, in the range of from10 cm to 24 cm, preferably in the range of from 12 cm to 21 cm, the riskof injury to the broilers is low. If the diameter is much smaller than 7cm, a wing can be exposed to high local stresses if the broiler entersthe container at high speed. If the diameter is much larger than 30 cm,the column occupies too much floor space. It is currently considered tobe particularly advantageous if the column is both rounded, possiblyeven has a circular cross-section, and has a diameter within the rangesindicated above.

In general, a larger surface area of the individual ventilation columnsreduces the risk of injury, but the shape of the columns and inparticular the absence of sharp edges are likewise advantageous. A largesurface area (e.g. with a large diameter) of the individual column alsooffers a better possibility of distributing the ventilation openings onthe column over a larger portion of the inner volume and thus ensuring amore even distribution of ventilation air to broilers situated in theinner regions of the inner volume.

The size and shape of the individual ventilation openings can varygreatly, for example according to the size and shape and positions ofthe ventilation columns, but in a preferred embodiment the opening areasof the ventilation openings in the at least one ventilation column havea total area in the range of from 0.5% to 10% of the area or of thefloor of the broiler transport container. These opening areas serve tosupply ventilation air into the inner volume, and other ventilationopenings for transporting air out of the inner volume can additionallybe provided. The opening areas must have a specific size in order toachieve good air distribution to all the broilers in the inner volume ofthe broiler transport container, and the opening area also influencesthe speed of the air flowing through the ventilation openings for agiven ventilation rate. If the total area is greater than 10%, the airspeed may become too slow for air to reach into the inner volume over asufficient distance from the opening. On the other hand, if the totalarea is less than the mentioned 0.5%, the speed of the air is so highthat broilers standing close to the ventilation opening become stressedby the influx of air.

If the ventilation openings in the ventilation column have a total areain the range of from 1.5% to 7% of the area or of the floor, all thebroilers can be supplied with a sufficient amount of ventilation air tokeep them at a level of comfort which allows the broilers to sleepwithout heavy breathing for relief from heat, and at the same time theventilation rates are within the levels of comfort.

If the ventilation openings in the ventilation column have a total areain the range of from 2% to 4% of the area or of the floor, conditionsare excellent for most of the broilers. Some of the broilers situated atthe greatest distances from ventilation openings may have less optimumconditions, but they are nevertheless conditions which would not beexpected to cause concern in relation to welfare and the occurrence ofPSE in the meat.

With regard to the area of the ventilation openings in the ventilationcolumn, it is noted that the openings are situated in the inner volumeof the broiler transport container and that the ventilation opening areaas such is not comparable with ventilation opening areas for openings inthe side wall or in the floor of the container.

It is also noted that it is possible to apply in the ventilation columnseither an overpressure for supplying air into the inner volume via theventilation openings or a low pressure for drawing air out of the innervolume via the ventilation openings, but in any case the inner volume isventilated from within the inner volume and not only by air that isblown in from outside the side walls or the floor of the broilertransport container. It is possible to have an overpressure in oneventilation column of a broiler transport container and a low pressurein another, so that air flows across the inner volume from one to theother, but when more than one column is present it may be expedient tohave the same pressure type in all the columns and to provideventilation openings in the side walls or the floor of the container sothat air flows between the columns and those openings.

In addition to the or each segment of a ventilation or air outflowcolumn which has at least one ventilation or air outflow opening and isarranged at a distance from all the side walls, there is preferablyprovided at least one further segment of a ventilation or air outflowcolumn which has at least one ventilation or air outflow opening and isformed in the side walls. One segment can then form the ventilationcolumn and the other segment can form the air outflow column.Particularly preferably, the or each segment of a ventilation or airoutflow column whose ventilation or air outflow openings are formed at adistance from the side walls is itself arranged at a distance from theside walls and has a circular cross-section, while the or each segmentof a ventilation or air outflow column whose ventilation or air outflowopenings are formed in the side walls is part of a side wall and haseither a semicircular or a quadrant-shaped cross-section. Of course, thecross-section of the segments in general, and in particular of thesegments in the region of the side wall, that is to say of the segmentsprovided at or in the side wall, can also be of a different shape.

In order further to facilitate an even distribution of the ventilationair, in addition to at least one ventilation column that is situated ata distance from the side walls, at least one side wall can be providedwith at least one ventilation column part wall having ventilationopenings. This is particularly advantageous in broiler transportcontainers having side walls without or with only a limited number ofventilation openings. Such ventilation column sections or localisedventilation openings in the side walls are suitable for controlling theflow of ventilation air outside the inner volume of the broilertransport container, and this can bring several advantages such as, forexample, the regulated admission of used ventilation air and the partialrecirculation thereof in order to achieve a sufficiently warmventilation air mixture when the ambient climate is cold. Anotheradvantage is that complete control of the inflow and outflow ofventilation air in channels defined by the ventilation columns and inthe ventilation channels defined by the side walls allows theventilation system to be independent of pressure changes along thelength of the trailer or truck caused by the movement of the truck ortrailer on the road and by changes in the speed of travel due to roadand traffic conditions.

When two transport containers are arranged side by side with their sidewalls close together, such ventilation column sections in the side wallsof the two containers can together form a common ventilation columnwhich is used in the ventilation of the containers.

In one embodiment, the at least one ventilation column extends in thebroiler transport container from one side wall into the inner volumetowards another side wall. This can be useful if the trailer is providedwith ventilation devices in a side wall of the trailer, so that theventilation devices guide ventilation air to the horizontally arrangedventilation columns in the broiler transport containers. With regard tothe provision of ventilation to the inner volume in the container inorder to achieve ventilation from the inside outwards, it is entirelypossible to arrange the ventilation columns in the horizontal directionor mainly in the horizontal direction, just as they can also be arrangedin the vertical direction or mainly in the vertical direction. Theindividual ventilation column can be provided over its length with a rowof ventilation openings, in order to provide a plurality of separateventilation openings over the width of the inner volume of thecontainer, or with at least one elongate opening which provides an evenair flow along a portion of the length of the ventilation column. Theventilation column can be arranged in connection with the floor of thebroiler transport container, the floor possibly forming a wall sectionof the ventilation column. The ventilation column can also preferably bearranged at a distance above the floor, preferably at a heightcorresponding to the height of the necks of the broilers or even at agreater height, so that broilers are able to pass beneath the column,possibly by ducking their heads.

A further embodiment has both at least one ventilation column extendingmainly vertically, which extends into the inner volume, and at least oneventilation column extending mainly horizontally, which extends into theinner volume.

In one embodiment, the at least one ventilation column has asubstantially hollow distribution channel, preferably a hollow centre,which extends over the length of the column. The ventilation column canbe divided on the inside into a plurality of distribution channels, forexample by providing the inside of the column with a central partitionor with transverse separating walls which divide the volume in thecolumn into four distribution channels, for example, the centralpartition or mutually intersecting separating walls extending along thelength of the column. It is, however, preferred that the ventilationcolumn has a hollow centre without internal subdivisions. The hollowdistribution channel can have a substantially constant cross-sectionalsize and shape over its length, which leads to a very energy-efficientair flow, but portions of reduced size or tapering channels, on theother hand, can contribute to controlling the air flow. It is evenpossible to produce the ventilation column from a soft material whichcollapses when not in use and is inflated by the ventilation air flowduring use. An advantage thereof is that the ventilation column is verysoft when the broilers are loaded into the container at high speed.

In one embodiment, the at least one ventilation column extending fromthe floor upwards has a height such that it joins a ventilation columnin a further broiler transport container which is placed on top of thebroiler transport container. In this manner, the ventilation columns inthe individual broiler transport containers are joined together to formcommon ventilation columns, and this results in a very simple design forforced ventilation because forced ventilation simply needs to beconnected in order to ventilate the common ventilation column instead ofbeing connected in order to ventilate the ventilation column in theindividual broiler transport container.

In one embodiment, the broiler transport container has a broiler barrierat the upper end of the at least one ventilation column. Such a broilerbarrier can be in the form of a cross which extends across the upwardlyfacing end opening of the ventilation column, or it can be a roundedstructure at the upper end of the ventilation column. The broilerbarrier prevents broilers from entering or becoming trapped in theventilation column after they have been loaded into the broilertransport container. Loading can be carried out quickly and typicallywhile the upper end of the ventilation column is exposed to thesurroundings because another broiler transport container has not yetbeen placed on the loaded broiler transport container. In thissituation, a broiler barrier is preferred at high loading speeds inorder to avoid interruptions in loading due to a badly placed broiler.

In the broiler transport containers according to the present invention,the at least one ventilation column provides ventilation from within theinner volume and from outside and, by providing the container with asmany ventilation columns as necessary to ensure the welfare of thebroilers during transport, the broiler transport container can beproduced in different sizes without being limited in terms of size forventilation purposes. With the emphasis on handling, it is preferredthat the length of the broiler transport container is in the range offrom 0.50 m to 1.30 m, preferably in one of the following ranges: a)from 0.50 m to 0.70 m, b) from 0.70 m to 0.90 m, and c) from 1.10 m to1.30 m, preferably approximately 1.2 m, and that the width of thebroiler transport container is in the range of from 0.50 m to 1.30 m andpreferably in one of the following ranges: a) from 0.50 m to 0.70 m, b)from 0.70 m to 0.90 m, and c) from 1.10 m to 1.30 m, and particularlypreferably is approximately 1.2 m.

The construction of the side walls and of the floor of the broilertransport container can also be used to influence how the ventilationair flows in the inner volume. One or more of the side walls and thefloor can be completely closed, apart from local regions where a regionof the side wall forms part of a ventilation column in order to guideair out of the inner volume, or the side walls can be in sheet form andprovided with ventilation openings, such as, for example, a single rowof ventilation openings, which are situated in the upper half of theside wall. The provision of ventilation openings at the upper end of theside walls and/or ventilation columns can allow the air flow in theupper half of the container, where the heads of the broilers aresituated, to be regulated.

Broiler transport containers according to the invention can be made fromany material which is sufficiently strong and stable that the containerscan be filled with broilers, and which can withstand thorough cleaning.It is currently preferred for the broiler transport container to beproduced from a plastics material, preferably by injection moulding.Suitable plastics materials include high density polyethylene (HDPE) andpolypropylene, but it is also possible to make the containers fromsteel, stainless steel, aluminium, metals or composites, such as, forexample, carbon fibre composites, and/or to provide them withreinforcing inlays of a different material from the remainder of thecontainer.

There are preferably provided at least two ventilation or air outflowcolumns which extend from the floor upwards through the inner volume.These broiler containers are designed and configured to receive andaccommodate at least ten live broilers. Particularly preferably, the oreach ventilation or air outflow column, or each segment of a ventilationor air outflow column, has elongate ventilation or air outflow openings,each having a longitudinal axis which is oriented with the longitudinalaxis in the longitudinal direction of the ventilation or air outflowcolumn. Preferably, the length of the broiler container having thelarger receiving capacity is in the range of from 2.10 m to 2.80 m,preferably approximately 2.4 m, and the width of the broiler containeris in the range of from 0.70 m to 2.6 m, preferably in the range of from0.70 m to 0.90 m and particularly preferably approximately 0.8 m.

A particularly preferred further development is characterised in thatthe broiler container has at least one supply which is designed andconfigured for supplying feed into the inner volume. This embodiment isadvantageously employed in particular when the containers are used forreceiving and accommodating the broilers during rearing. With such acontainer it is possible to accommodate the broilers continuously andwithout changing container from the first day until they are transportedto the slaughterhouse. Space-saving rearing of the broilers in aplurality of tiers is thereby made possible, which on the one handoffers more space for each broiler individually and on the other handensures adequate ventilation and an adequate and even supply of feed tothe broilers.

Advantageously, at least one side wall is designed to be movable inparticular as an inspection flap in such a manner that it can be openedand shut. Accessibility to the individual containers is thereby ensuredin particular when they are layered on top of one another as a stack.

A supply for water and a supply for feed is preferably provided for eachbroiler container in the region of the side walls. The supply to thebroilers can thereby be ensured even better.

Particular preference is given to a broiler container which ischaracterised in that at least one of the segments, extending from thefloor upwards through the inner volume, of the ventilation or airoutflow columns arranged at a distance from all the side walls is in theform of a support element, in such a manner that the support element hasthe height to support the floor of a further, stacked broiler container.Secure and stable stacking of the containers during transport, duringaccommodation of the broilers during rearing or while waiting at thepoultry slaughterhouse is thereby ensured in a particularly simple andeffective manner. Owing to the dual function of each segment or of eachcolumn section or of each column, namely for improving the ventilationon the one hand and for support on the other hand, a compact containerwhich is improved in terms of hygiene and can be stacked despite heavyloads is produced.

Because the support column extends from the floor, the feet of thebroilers cannot become trapped at the column because there are no gapsbetween the floor and the column, and the distance between the columnand all the side walls also prevents a broiler from becoming trappedbetween the column and side wall and being injured.

The additional support at a distance from the sides of the containerwhich is provided by the at least one column in particular allows thefloor of the broiler transport container to be a structure with few orwithout a reinforcing rib structure in the floor region, as a result ofwhich accumulations of dirt are minimised and cleaning is facilitated.Although the at least one column occupies some floor space which wouldotherwise be available for the broilers, the weight of the broilertransport container per kilo of broilers loaded onto the broilertransport container is comparable with or lower than in the case ofcurrent broiler transport systems.

The provision of the at least one support column provides support forcontainers which are placed one on top of another in a stack, in orderto reduce the need for reinforcing ribs and allow containers withsmoother outside surfaces to be produced, which can be cleaned moreeasily. The broiler transport containers can be used in frames as in thesystems of the prior art, but they are suitable in particular forstacking without the use of a frame in order to form a framelesstransport unit. Because the separate frame is omitted, washing systemsin the slaughterhouse can be simplified, and cross-infections via theframe are eliminated completely. When a frame is not used, handling isalso more efficient and a considerable reduction in the total weight ofthe transport system itself is achieved, so that the weight of theloaded broilers, that is to say the net weight, can be higher.

Although the floor of the broiler transport container can be providedwith holes in the floor region, it is preferred in one embodiment of thebroiler transport container for the floor to have an outer surface whichis flat and does not have openings in the regions between the at leastone support column and the side walls. Cleaning is thus simpler, and therisk of contamination is smaller because dirt does not readily adhere toa planar surface without openings.

The floor as such does not need to be situated in one plane but canexhibit a plurality of planar, sheet-like sections, one example being afloor which is in the form of a trapezoidal metal sheet. In otherembodiments, the floor can be produced with variations in the thicknessof the material in the regions between the at least one support columnand the side walls, the thicker regions preferably extending betweenopposing side walls. If the container does not have a square base, thethicker regions preferably extend between the opposing side walls thatare situated furthest away from one another.

The overall shape of the broiler transport container and the number andposition of support columns in relation to the side walls depend interalia on the size of the container and on the weight of the broilers tobe transported. It is currently preferred for the broiler transportcontainer to have four side walls which form two pairs of opposing sidewalls, for the at least one support column to be positioned on the floorapproximately in the middle between one pair of opposing side walls anddistributed between the other pair of opposing side walls at a distanceof approximately D/(N+1), where D is the distance between the other pairof opposing side walls and N is the number of support columns in thebroiler transport container. This embodiment is advantageous inparticular with regard to symmetry because the broiler transportcontainer can be stacked with either end facing the operator and the atleast one support column nevertheless fits a corresponding supportcolumn in the lower broiler transport container. The filling operationcan take place quickly, for example at a rate of from 50 to more than200 broilers per minute, and it is useful for the operator that abroiler transport container cannot be oriented wrongly during stacking,in particular because the final placing of an empty container can occurat the same time as a broiler delivery opening in a broiler loadingdevice is displaced for delivering broilers to the empty container.

The broiler transport container can also have a triangular base area andthree side walls or a polygonal base area and five or more side walls.

The shape and size of the at least one support column should preferablybe chosen with due regard to keeping a relatively large inner floor areaavailable for the broilers. In one embodiment, the at least one supportcolumn has an annular cross-section with a hollow centre, which extendsover the height of the column. Such a construction provides evensurfaces, preferably without corners in the column, which can easily becleaned after each broiler transport.

In order to fix the broiler transport containers relative to one anotherwhen they are arranged in a stack, in order to form a framelesstransport unit, each broiler transport container can have uppercorresponding regions and lower corresponding regions, wherein the uppercorresponding regions fit onto the lower corresponding regions of afurther broiler transport container placed on top of the broilertransport container. The broiler transport containers stacked on apallet support as a transport unit are then mutually supported via theupper corresponding regions and the lower corresponding regions. Palletswhich are used to form the base of the transport units and to supportthe broiler transport units can likewise be provided with uppercorresponding regions which are designed to engage in the lowercorresponding regions on the lowermost broiler transport container of astack. These upper and lower corresponding regions can be omitted if aframe is used to control the mutual positioning of the containers.

In one embodiment, the corresponding regions can be so provided that theat least one support column has an upper end and a lower end, and can beprovided with an upper corresponding region at the upper end and a lowercorresponding region at the lower end. This can be achieved in a simplemanner, for example, by providing the columns with conical orfrustoconical end regions, so that the upper end of at least one columnon one container fits into a hollow centre in the lower end of acorresponding column on another container.

In order to supplement the engagement between the upper correspondingregions and the lower corresponding regions of the columns, or in orderto serve as an alternative thereto, the side walls can have an upper endand a lower end and can be provided with upper corresponding regions atthe upper end and lower corresponding regions at the lower end. Anexample of such corresponding regions is that the broiler transportcontainer is provided with a recess at the bottom of each side wall sothat the floor of the container fits into the opening at the upper endof another container, the recess serving as the lower correspondingregion and the upper edges of the side walls serving as the uppercorresponding regions. Alternatively, the upper edges of at least twoopposing side walls can be provided with L-shaped flanges which projectoutwards and upwards, so that they enclose the lower outer corners atthe lower ends of the side walls of another container. In yet anotherembodiment, the side walls and/or the outer surface of the floor areprovided with matching openings and projections, such as, for example,holes and pins or springs and grooves, but because such correspondingregions are more difficult to clean, they are currently not preferred.

The corresponding regions do not need to extend over the entire lengthof the side walls. Instead, the upper corresponding regions on the sidewalls can project upwards at intermediate portions of the side wall andleave openings between upper ends of the intermediate portions and afurther broiler transport container which is stacked on top of thebroiler transport container. For example, the upper correspondingregions can be present only at corners of the container at which sidewalls meet, so that openings extend substantially from one corner acrossthe intermediate portions to the other corner. If the container islonger and/or wider, it may then also be expedient to provide upwardlyprojecting upper corresponding regions, for example in the middle of aside wall, so that openings extend substantially from the corners to themiddle of the container, or it is even possible, if required, to providefurther such upper corresponding regions. If the broiler transportcontainer has four side walls which form two pairs of opposing sidewalls, upper corresponding regions of this type can be distributedbetween one pair or both pairs of opposing side walls with a distance ofapproximately D/(N+1) as described above for the columns, and in someembodiments these upper corresponding regions and the columns can bespaced in the same manner.

In relation to the size and dimensions of the broiler transportcontainer, it may be expedient, for reasons of efficient handling, forthe containers to be as large as possible in order to reduce the outlayin terms of work that is associated with the handling of containers uponfilling on the farm and upon emptying at the slaughterhouse. However,working environment laws concerning the maximum weight that may behandled by farm personnel, and the possibility of practical handling ofthe containers, set upper limits for the size of containers of the priorart. With the broiler transport containers according to the presentinvention, it is currently preferred for the length of the broilertransport container to be in the range of from 2.10 m to 2.80 m,preferably approximately 2.4 m, and for the width of the broilertransport container to be in the range of from 0.70 m to 2.6 m,preferably in the range of from 0.70 to 0.90 m and particularlypreferably approximately 0.80 m. A width of 2.4 m corresponds to thewidth of the platform that is to be found on the trucks which aretypically used nowadays for transporting broilers, and with such broilertransport containers it is accordingly not necessary to load two or moretransport units side by side, but the platform of the trailer caninstead be filled with a single row of broiler transport containerstacks. Transport by other means can require different sizes, oneexample being transport by rail, where wagons can have an availableplatform width of up to 2.8 m.

As explained above with reference to the floor of the container, planarsurfaces can easily be cleaned, and it is therefore also preferred forthe side walls to be substantially planar and preferably sheet-likewithout openings other than possible ventilation openings. However, theconstruction of at least one of the side walls can be such thatventilation is made possible either by providing an opening between therespective side walls of broiler transport containers arranged one ontop of another, or by providing ventilation openings through the sidewall.

Broiler transport containers according to the invention can be made fromany material which is sufficiently strong and stable that the containerscan be filled with broilers, and which can withstand thorough cleaning.It is currently preferred for the broiler transport container to beproduced from a plastics material, preferably by injection moulding.Suitable plastics materials include high density polyethylene (HDPE) andpolypropylene, but it is also possible to make the containers fromsteel, stainless steel, aluminium, metals or composites, such as, forexample, carbon fibre composites, and/or to provide them withreinforcing inlays of a different material from the remainder of thecontainer.

The container according to the invention can be used as an individualcomponent, in particular when the inner volume is closed at the top by alid so as to form a receiving space which is enclosed on all sides andis in contact with the surroundings (in particular the ventilation andair outflow system and the supply for feed) only through the ventilationand air outflow openings and optionally via the supply for feed.However, as will be explained in the following, each container can alsobe a component part of a superordinate system, such as, for example, aunit (stack of at least two containers, also referred to in thefollowing as a transport unit or broiler transport unit), an arrangement(unit having an active ventilation system) and a transport trailer.Everything which has been described and will be described hereinbelow inrelation to the individual containers correspondingly applies in thesame manner to the unit, the arrangement and the transport trailer.

The unit according to the invention is designed and configured toreceive and accommodate live broilers during rearing and/or duringtransport of the broilers to a slaughterhouse and/or while the livebroilers are awaiting processing in the region of the slaughterhouse,and comprises at least two broiler containers which are designedaccording to one or more of claims 1 to 23, wherein correspondingsegments of the ventilation or air outflow columns of the broilercontainers which form the unit and are situated next to one anotherand/or above one another each form common ventilation or air outflowcolumns extending through all the inner volumes.

At least two broiler containers are preferably stacked one aboveanother, wherein the or each segment of a ventilation or air outflowcolumn, which extends in the individual broiler container from the floorupwards, is joined to at least one segment of a ventilation or airoutflow column in the other broiler containers of the stack, so that atleast one common ventilation or air outflow column is formed in theunit.

A ventilation air flow can thus pass through a plurality of broilertransport containers arranged one above another, so that a ventilationunit can potentially supply the air flow necessary for ventilating acommon ventilation column or a plurality of common ventilation columnsin all the containers in a stack.

The unit according to the invention is characterised in that at leastone ventilation column extends into the broiler transport unit and hasat least one ventilation opening in each inner volume. The provision ofat least one ventilation opening at the at least one ventilation columnin the individual inner volume means that adequate ventilation isachieved even for broilers which are situated in the inner volume behindat least one outer row of other broilers. In units of the prior arthaving a large number of ventilation openings in the side walls and inthe floor, the ventilation for broilers in the interior of the unit isnot considered to be sufficient or effective enough under all transportconditions, and it is now believed that this is caused by the fullydeveloped plumage of the broilers.

During transport, the outermost line or row of broilers can block orhinder ventilation from outside into the broiler transport unit throughthe side walls, and the ventilation flowing upwards through the floorcan likewise be insufficient, because the plumage of the broilersrepresents a barrier to ventilation in the vertical direction in theinner volume of the broiler transport unit. The broiler transport unitaccording to the present invention has at least one ventilation columnwhich extends into the inner volume, and the ventilation column improvesthe ventilation conditions for broilers situated behind other broilersto a considerable degree.

In one embodiment, the at least one ventilation column extends downwardsthrough the uppermost inner volumes. In this manner, the lowermost innervolume can also be supplied with ventilation air, even if the at leastone ventilation column terminates with an end opening situated at theceiling in the lowermost inner volume. It is, however, preferred for theat least one ventilation column to extend through all the inner volumesto a downwardly facing end opening on the underside of the broilertransport unit, because this allows broiler transport units to bestacked, the ventilation columns being strung together. In a furtherembodiment, one ventilation column extends into some of the innervolumes, and another ventilation column extends into other innervolumes.

A ventilation apparatus can be arranged above the transport unit, or theventilation apparatus can be situated in the lower carrying structure ofthe transport unit, so that the ventilation apparatus supplies the atleast one ventilation column with ventilation air. A ventilationapparatus in a ventilation arrangement is preferably provided on thetrailer used for transportation and, after the trailer has been loaded,the at least one ventilation column is connected to the associatedventilation apparatus, which can be a ventilation channel which formspart of a common ventilation system, or a local ventilator which ispositioned on the ventilation column. There can be more than oneventilation column in the transport unit, and a ventilation apparatuscan be provided for each ventilation column in the unit.

In a further embodiment, ventilation columns in two transport unitsstacked one on top of the other form common ventilation columns,preferably via ventilation column sections in a support pallet orthrough a ventilation device integrated into the pallet. If theindividual transport unit has a smaller height than the height availableon the trailer, two or more transport units may possibly be stacked oneon top of another, and in this case it is advantageous for theventilation columns to form common ventilation columns because itbecomes easier to provide ventilation and connect it to the ventilationcolumns.

Preferably, when the transport units are loaded onto a transport vehiclecarrying loaded transport units, the ventilation column or columns ineach unit stack is/are supplied with forced ventilation. Because theventilation in the inner volumes is forced, the ventilation isindependent of whether the transport vehicle is moving or not, and avery uniform ventilation rate can be achieved over all the inner volumesbecause the specific location of the transport unit on the vehicle (suchas, for example, in the middle) has no real influence on the ventilationrates supplied to the inner volume.

In one embodiment, at least two broiler transport containers in astacked configuration form a transport unit in which ventilation columnswhich extend from the floor upwards in the individual broiler transportcontainers join corresponding ventilation columns in the other broilertransport containers in the transport unit, in order to form commonventilation columns. A ventilation air flow is accordingly able to flowthrough a plurality of broiler transport containers stacked one on topof another and potentially allow one ventilation unit to provide the airflow necessary for ventilating all the inner volumes in the transportunit via a common ventilation column or via a plurality of commonventilation columns which extend to all the containers in the stack.There can also be a single ventilation air supply channel for eachcommon ventilation column in the transport unit. Because the broilertransport container has at least two ventilation columns, there are atleast two common ventilation columns which supply ventilation to eachinner volume in broiler transport containers, and by using at least twoventilation units or two independent ventilation air supply channels,the reliability of the ventilation air supply is increased.

When two transport units are arranged side by side with their side wallsclose together, such sections of a ventilation column in the side wallsof the two units can together form a common ventilation column whichventilates both units, such as, for example, an outflow of ventilationair from the two units, if the at least one ventilation column withinthe inner volume of one of the units is supplied with inflowingventilation air.

The broiler transport containers according to the invention can bearranged without the use of a separate frame for holding the individualcontainers, for example, in a stacked configuration as a transport unithaving from 3 to 14 broiler transport containers in a single stack or ina stack of from 6 to 12 broiler transport containers or in a stack offrom 3 to 5 broiler transport containers. The stack of broiler transportcontainers in the transport unit can be arranged on a support or on apallet support, or the lowermost broiler transport container can bedesigned with an integrated support so that the transport unit as awhole can be lifted, or a support can be part of the surface on whichthe transport unit is placed.

In another embodiment, ventilation columns in at least two transportunits stacked one on top of the another form one or more commonventilation columns. If the individual transport unit has a smallerheight than the height that is available on the trailer, two or moretransport units may be stacked one on top of another, and in this caseit is advantageous if the ventilation columns form common ventilationcolumns because they are then easier to arrange and to connect to theventilation to the ventilation columns.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, at least two broiler transportcontainers in a stacked configuration form a transport stack, wherein atleast one ventilation column which extends from the floor upwards in theindividual broiler transport unit is joined to a correspondingventilation column in another broiler transport unit in the transportstack in order to form a common ventilation column. A ventilation airflow is thus able to pass through two or more broiler transport unitsarranged one on top of another. The at least one ventilation column isaccordingly located as a prolongation of a corresponding at least oneventilation column in a further broiler transport unit which is stackedon the broiler transport unit. An advantage thereof is the ability toventilate the ventilation columns in a plurality of units jointly bymeans of a common ventilation apparatus or a single connection of thecolumn to a ventilation supply channel, such as, for example, a supplychannel provided on a transport trailer. The construction of theventilation arrangement on the trailer is accordingly simplified becausea common ventilation column in two or more stacked units is connected tothe ventilation arrangement at a single point.

There can be an individual ventilation air supply channel for eachcommon ventilation column in the transport unit. The broiler transportunit can have at least two ventilation columns, and in this case thereare at least two common ventilation columns which ventilate each innervolume in broiler transport units, and by using at least two ventilationunits or two independent ventilation air supply channels, thereliability of the ventilation air supply to each inner volume isincreased.

In one embodiment, the at least one ventilation column is produced insections, and at least one of the floors is movable and is joined to asection of the ventilation column. An advantage thereof is that aportion of the floor is movable or displaceable relative to anotherportion of the floor, and the column section is then located on themovable portion of the floor and can be moved together with thatportion. It is thus possible to provide the inner column in sections onthe associated floor sections and to move the column sections duringloading of the broilers. In this manner, a large loading opening can beachieved despite the placing of the at least one ventilation column inthe inner volume. Alternatively, a movable portion of the floor can havean open recess which is located at the position of the ventilationcolumn, which can then be fixed to the immovable portion of the floor.As a further alternative, the at least one ventilation column extendsfrom a side wall, so that the functionality of the floor remainsunhindered by the presence of the at least one ventilation column.

In one embodiment, the ventilation columns have elongate ventilationopenings, each having a longer axis and oriented with the longer axis inthe length direction of the ventilation column. This produces a uniformair flow and a lower risk of the openings becoming blocked by broilersor dirt, but it is also possible to provide a row of ventilationopenings along the length of the ventilation column in order to providea plurality of separate ventilation points. This applies regardless ofwhether the ventilation columns are horizontal or vertical and/orcoupled to columns in other units to form a common ventilation column.

The ventilation air flow to the ventilation columns can be provided bynatural ventilation or by forced ventilation or by a combination of thetwo. It is preferred that each unit stack is provided with forcedventilation to the ventilation columns when transport takes place on atransport vehicle carrying loaded transport units. Such forcedventilation can be present in the form of either air supplied to theventilation columns or air conveyed away from the ventilation columns.When the air is guided into the columns, that is to say when aventilation unit supplies air to the ventilation columns withoverpressure, the air blown into the broiler transport containers can beconditioned, for example by regulating the temperature and/or thehumidity of the ventilation air. In cold weather, a portion of theventilation air can be recirculated ventilation air. In this manner, theheat from the broilers is used and the energy consumption for airconditioning is minimised.

In one embodiment, which applies inter alia to ventilation columns thatextend from the floor upwards, the ventilation columns can have elongateopenings each having a longer axis, wherein the longer axis is orientedin the length direction of the ventilation column.

With regard to the size and dimensions of the broiler transportcontainer, it may be expedient for reasons of efficient handling for thecontainers to be as large as possible, in order to reduce the workassociated with the handling of containers during filling on the farmand during emptying at the slaughterhouse. With the broiler transportcontainers according to the present invention, the ventilation columnsprovide ventilation from the inside of the inner volume outwards and, byproviding the container with as many ventilation columns as arenecessary for permanently good welfare of the broilers, the broilertransport containers can be produced with large dimensions. It iscurrently preferred that the length of the broiler transport containeris in the range of from 2.10 m to 2.80 m, preferably approximately 2.4m, and that the width of the broiler transport container is in the rangeof from 0.70 m to 2.6 m, preferably in the range of from 0.70 to 0.90 mand particularly preferably approximately 0.80 m. A width of 2.4 mcorresponds to the width of the platform which is to be found on thetrucks which are typically used today for transporting broilers, andwith such broiler transport containers it is thus not necessary to loadtwo or more transport units side by side, but the platform of thetrailer can instead be filled with a single row of broiler transportcontainer stacks. Transport by other means can require different sizes,one example being rail transport, where wagons can have an availableplatform width of up to 2.8 m.

The unit preferably has at least three floors which define the innervolumes, and at least one ventilation or air outflow opening of thecommon ventilation or air outflow column is provided in each innervolume.

The unit advantageously further comprises a pallet for receiving thestack formed of at least two broiler transport containers, as well as acovering element for closing the uppermost inner volume of the stack.Both the pallet and the covering element are designed and configured forconnection to an active ventilation system.

Particularly preferably, the pallet comprises adapters in the form ofventilation or air outflow column sections which are designed andconfigured for connecting the ventilation or air outflow columns of twounits arranged one above the other. For example, the adapters of apallet can be matched to a corresponding connection piece of the coverelement in order to form a closed ventilation circuit.

Particularly advantageously, the unit can be designed and configured forconnection to a central system for supplying the broilers with feedand/or to a central system for forced ventilation of the broilers with agas.

A preferred further development is characterised in that the at leastone ventilation or air outflow column is produced in sections, and inthat at least one of the floors is movable and is joined to a section ofthe ventilation or air outflow column.

The design of the side walls and floors of the broiler transport unitcan also be used to influence how the ventilation air flows into theinner volume. One or more of the side walls as well as the floors can befully closed, apart from local regions where the side wall locallybecomes part of a ventilation column in order to guide air out of theinner volume. Alternatively, the side walls can be in sheet form andprovided with ventilation openings, such as, for example, a single rowof ventilation openings, which are located in the upper half of theinner volume. The provision of ventilation openings at the upper end ofthe inner volume can allow the air flow in the upper half of the innervolume, where the heads of the broilers are situated, to be regulated.

In one embodiment, the floors are without openings apart from the atleast one ventilation column. This facilitates an even distribution ofthe ventilation air, and the welfare of broilers is increased becausetheir feet or toes cannot become stuck in small openings. The side wallscan also be in sheet form and have closed surfaces, apart fromventilation openings at a local ventilation column.

During loading and unloading of the broiler transport unit, the unit isnaturally open. In one embodiment, the side walls and end walls of thebroiler transport unit are closed except at the locations of ventilationopenings and columns. This not only ensures efficient ventilation of thetransport unit but also makes the inner volumes dark in the closedstate, so that the broilers tend to sleep while they are beingtransported. This is the case regardless of the design of theventilation columns and ventilation openings.

The broiler transport containers according to the invention canpreferably be arranged in a stacked configuration with from 3 to 14broiler transport containers in a single stack or in a stack of from 6to 12 broiler transport containers or in a stack of from 3 to 5 broilertransport containers, without the use of a separate frame for holdingthe individual containers. The latter corresponds in its number tocurrent crate systems having a frame which receives from three to fivecrates. The stack of broiler transport containers can be arranged on asupport or on a pallet support and forms a unit (also referred to astransport unit in the following) having a basic weight and a total floorarea, wherein the total floor area is the sum of the floor areas of thebroiler transport containers in the transport unit. In one embodiment,the basic unit weight (in kg) divided by the total floor area (in m²) isnot more than 24.0 (kg/m²), and the basic unit weight (in kg) divided bythe total floor area (in m²) is preferably in the range of from 5 to 24kg/m², particularly preferably in the range of from 10 to 20 kg/m². Bycomparison, the basic unit weight divided by the total floor area of theprior art, which uses separate broiler transport containers and a frame,is typically approximately from 60 to 100 kg/m². The basic unit weightis understood as including all the elements of a transport unit, that isto say not only the broiler transport containers but also all supports,pallets, lids or coverings which are used together with the broilertransport containers during the movement thereof as a stacked unit orstacked units during loading onto a trailer, the weight of the broilers,however, not being included in the basic unit weight. The broilertransport containers are preferably stacked on a pallet support in orderto facilitate handling of the transport unit, but the use ofalternatives such as, for example, a simple arrangement of the lowermostbroiler transport container of a stack on simple spacers which aredetached from the transport unit in order to be held above the supportsurface and leave space for the forks of a forklift truck is notexcluded. The pallet support can also be in the form of a special typeof container which is used as the lowermost tier in a stack, the supportin this lowermost container being integrated with the container floor.The construction of the pallet and/or of the lowermost broiler transportcontainer should be such that the risk of dirt and bird droppingsaccumulating during handling on the farm is low in order both to improvehygiene and to avoid the transport of unnecessary dead load.

Although the basic unit weight (in kg) divided by the total floor area(in m²) is preferably not more than 24.0 (kg/m²), it is desirable insome cases for the basic unit weight to be higher, such as, for example,when the broiler transport container is to withstand the load of a veryhigh stack, for example 15 broiler transport containers loaded withbroilers.

A particularly low weight of the broiler transport container can beachieved if the stack is filled with broilers only in the situationwhere the floor of the individual container is supported from beneath,either by support from a pallet or other support (applicable to thelowermost container in a stack) or by support from the at least onecolumn in the broiler transport container located beneath the container(applicable to containers stacked above the lowermost container). It isadvantageous first to introduce the broilers into the lowermostcontainer, then place the next container on the lowermost container andthen load broilers into the next container etc., as the transport unitis built up, and to empty the containers starting with the uppermostcontainer and to continue downwards. The individual broiler transportcontainer thus never needs to be lifted at the ends as a separatecontainer when it is filled with broilers, so that the floor can be oflightweight construction.

The broiler containers of the unit preferably have upper correspondingregions and lower corresponding regions, wherein the upper correspondingregions fit into the lower corresponding regions on a further broilercontainer stacked on the broiler container, and broiler containersstacked on a pallet support as a unit mutually support one another viathe upper corresponding regions and lower corresponding regions. Theupper corresponding regions advantageously project upwards from the sidewalls at intermediate sections of the side walls and leave openingsbetween upper ends of the intermediate sections and a further broilercontainer stacked on the broiler container. A particularly stable unitwhich protects the broilers is thus produced.

An arrangement according to the invention comprises at least one unitaccording to any one of claims 24 to 30 and at least one ventilationsystem which is designed and configured to actively ventilate the oreach unit. Such an arrangement forms an independent system which can beplaced virtually as desired, namely in particular in a poultry rearingenterprise, on a transport trailer, in a waiting region at theslaughterhouse, in a calming and/or stunning chamber or in any otherplace.

The ventilation system is preferably designed and configured toventilate the or each unit with a gas. The gas is understood as beingany oxygen-containing and/or CO₂-containing or other gas/gas mixturehaving a calming or stunning effect.

Particularly preferably, the arrangement is characterised in that itfurther comprises at least one system for supplying the or each unitwith feed. By means of the arrangement according to the invention,highly flexible husbandry of the broilers at different stages is ensuredwith one and the same system, from day-old chicks to slaughter-readybroilers from the rearing operation to the slaughterhouse.

Ventilation devices such as fans or compressors can be provided on theindividual stack or the individual transport unit, such as, for example,by positioning a ventilation apparatus on the stack or on the floor of astack or by integrating at least one ventilation device into thetransport unit. The ventilation device preferably forms part of thetransport vehicle, where the ventilation device can be provided on theroof and/or on the floor of the transport vehicle and can be used toventilate an entire stack via the ventilation columns, so that optimumuse is made of the space available on the vehicle so that, incombination with the improved ventilation, more broilers can betransported on the vehicle without increasing the stress levels.

In such embodiments, the ventilation device can follow the broilertransport unit stack and provide ventilation even when the transportvehicle or the transport trailer is not present.

The ventilation device is preferably part of the transport vehicle,whereby the ventilation device can be provided on the roof and/or on thefloor of the transport vehicle and can be used to ventilate an entireunit stack via the common ventilation columns, so that optimum use ismade of the space available on the vehicle and thus, in combination withthe improved ventilation, more broilers can be transported on thevehicle without their stress levels being increased.

The transport trailer according to the invention is designed andconfigured to transport units in particular according to any one ofclaims 24 to 30, which are designed and configured to receive andaccommodate live broilers, to a slaughterhouse and is characterised inthat the transport trailer comprises a ventilation system which isadapted to ventilate the units according to any one of claims 24 to 30.

The ventilation system preferably has ventilation devices forventilating live broilers in the units, which are arranged in rows onthe trailer, wherein the transport trailer is so designed that the unitscan be loaded in an arrangement of individual ventilation or air outflowcolumn sections in the units of at least one row, which form commonventilation or air outflow columns which extend within the inner volumesof the units, wherein the common ventilation or air outflow columns haveend openings, and the ventilation system is so designed that a pluralityof end openings are ventilated via ventilation devices on the transporttrailer. With regard to the results obtained with these features,reference is made to the general explanations of the above-mentioneddescriptions relating to the method. It is noted that some of theindividual ventilation column sections can be ventilated by differentmethods, such as, for example, by natural ventilation in the outermostbroiler transport units on the trailer.

Advantageously, the units in at least one row comprise at least onecommon inlet ventilation column for guiding ventilation air to the innervolumes in the units, and at least one common outlet ventilation columnfor guiding ventilation air out of the inner volumes in the units,wherein the ventilation system is so designed that it ventilates atleast the end openings of the common inlet ventilation columns. Thisembodiment generates ventilation inflow and outflow, so that it ispossible to control the ventilation air flows in the broiler transportunits independently of the ambient conditions which are created by themovement of the broiler transport trailer.

The ventilation system is preferably designed to ventilate the endopenings of the common inlet ventilation columns with ventilation airfrom the ventilation devices, wherein the ventilation system hascontrollable flaps which are arranged at least at one end, preferably ata lower end, of the common outlet ventilation columns in order to openor close the region of the common outlet ventilation openings wholly orpartially. The controllable flaps can regulate the degree ofrecirculation of ventilation air in a simple manner.

A preferred further development is characterised in that ventilationdevices are individually controllable independently of the speed oftravel of the transport trailer, preferably for delivering at least apreset ventilation rate (m³ air per second), preferably at least 0.05m³/s, for example at least 0.12 m³/s, advantageously at least 0.18 m³/s,and wherein optionally at least one ventilation device is mounted at theend opening of the common ventilation column ventilated thereby. Theseventilation rates produce good conditions for the welfare of thetransported broilers.

It is particularly preferred for the ventilation system to comprise arecording system and sensors for detecting and recording parametersselected from the group a) ventilation air temperature, b) ventilationair humidity, c) ambient air temperature, d) ambient air humidity, e)outlet air temperature, f) outlet air humidity, g) CO₂ content in outletair, h) transport duration, i) lairage duration, j) vibration level, k)noise level, and l) light intensity. The recording of one or more ofthese parameters can contribute to the documentation of the welfare ofthe broilers and can be used in regulating the local climate in thebroiler transport units.

The transport trailer advantageously has a ventilation system havingventilation devices and ventilation openings with forced ventilation,such as, for example, fans and channels having openings, for ventilatingthe units, wherein the units in the loaded state on the trailer comprisea plurality of floor surfaces which are arranged in stacks on thetransport trailer, and wherein an inner volume for receiving broilers ispresent above the individual floor surface, wherein the ventilationsystem on the transport trailer is arranged to supply at least 20separate ventilation column end openings with mechanical ventilation,wherein the individual ventilation column end opening is situated on aside face of a unit at the end of a ventilation or air outflow columnwhich extends into the inner volume or volumes of the unit while theunit is temporarily loaded on the transport trailer. Effects ofproviding mechanical ventilation to ventilation columns extending intothe inner volumes of the poultry transport unit are apparent from theabove description, and the capacity to mechanically ventilate at least20 separate ventilation columns gives a minimum distribution ofventilation air to the inner volumes. The provision of ventilationcolumns within the poultry transport units permits a more evendistribution of ventilation air, so that the temperature, humidity andCO₂ content can be kept more constant than is possible when theventilation air flow must enter the transport units from outside theside faces. Ventilation from the inside of the inner volumes is alsoadvantageous when the transport units have a relatively closedconstruction, and it further becomes possible to arrange the transportunits close to one another.

The ventilation system on the transport trailer preferably has at leasttwo ventilation openings for each stack, which ventilation openings areso arranged that they are situated next to at least two ventilationcolumn end openings on the stack when the stack has been loaded onto thetransport trailer. With vertically extending ventilation columns, atleast two columns per stack provide more even ventilation in each innervolume. With horizontally extending ventilation columns there should beat least one ventilation column per inner volume. In other words, thenumber of columns should at least be comparable to the number of floorsin the stack. When the poultry transport units have from two to fiveventilation columns, it is possible to have an overpressure in oneventilation column of a transport unit and a low pressure in another, sothat air flows from one column to the other, but it is usually expedientto have the same type of pressure in all the columns in order to provideventilation openings in the side walls or the floor of the transportunit, so that air flows between those openings and the columns. Somecolumns can be situated inside the transport units, while others arearranged at the sides of the transport unit and may supply ventilationair to two adjacent transport units simultaneously.

The ventilation system preferably has at least 20 ventilation openingsand/or ventilation devices which are arranged on the roof of thetransport trailer or on the floor of the transport trailer in positionswhich correspond to upwardly facing ventilation column end openings onthe units which are temporarily placed on the transport trailer.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the transport trailer, thetransport trailer is provided with a CO₂ supply system which providesthe ventilation air with a CO₂ content preferably in the range of from 3to 22 vol. %, and the CO₂ supply system preferably receives CO₂ fromexhalation air of the poultry and/or from exhaust gases from thetransport drive vehicle.

The object is also achieved by a method for ventilating live broilersduring rearing and/or during transport of the broilers to theslaughterhouse and/or while the live broilers are awaiting processing inthe region of the slaughterhouse, namely using at least one broilercontainer according to one or more of claims 1 to 23 and/or a unitaccording to one or more of claims 24 to 30 and/or an arrangementaccording to one or more of claims 31 to 33 and/or a transport traileraccording to one or more of claims 34 to 43. The method according to theinvention for ventilating the broilers can accordingly be usedparticularly flexibly both during the rearing of the broilers in theagricultural enterprises, and during transport to the slaughterhousesand also before and inside the slaughterhouse. The use of the method isnot limited to the supply of oxygen-containing air but can also be usedfor supplying gas mixtures by means of which the broilers are, forexample, calmed for transportation or stunned before the actualprocessing.

The method preferably serves to ventilate offloadable units on atransport trailer, wherein the units on the transport trailer comprise aplurality of floor regions which are arranged in rows on the transporttrailer, and wherein an inner volume is present above the individualfloor region for receiving broilers and wherein a ventilation systemhaving ventilation devices supplies forced ventilation air to the units,wherein the ventilation system supplies forced ventilation to aplurality of ventilation or air outflow column sections, the individualventilation or air outflow column section extending into the innervolume(s) of the unit guides the forced ventilation air throughventilation or air outflow openings which are positioned on theventilation or air outflow column section in the inner volume of theunit, and individual ventilation or air outflow column sections of unitsin a row form common ventilation or air outflow columns, wherein thesecommon ventilation or air outflow columns guide the forced ventilationair to ventilation or air outflow column sections situated in the row.

The ventilation system of the transport trailer preferably guides forcedventilation air to and/or from ventilation or air outflow columnsections in units which are situated at one end of rows, preferably atan upper end of rows extending downwards or at a front end of rowsextending to the rear end of the transport trailer or at a side end ofrows extending in the width direction of the transport trailer.

The units are preferably loaded onto the transport trailer in apredetermined pattern, the ventilation or air outflow column sectionsbeing joined together to form common ventilation or air outflow columns.

At least one ventilation or air outflow section of the ventilationsystem is preferably activated and begins to ventilate loaded unitswhile further units are being loaded onto the transport trailer.

Ventilation or air outflow air supplied to ventilation or air outflowpipe sections in the units preferably flows from the ventilation or airoutflow openings within the units and out of the ventilation or airoutflow openings at side walls of the units.

Ventilation or air outflow air supplied to ventilation or air outflowpipe sections in the units preferably flows from ventilation or airoutlet openings at side walls of the units to the ventilation or airoutflow openings within the units.

The ventilation system on the transport trailer preferably receivesventilation air from the units and recirculates at least a portion ofthe received ventilation air to the units as ventilation air.

One or more of the parameters a) air temperature, b) air humidity and c)CO₂ content in air in ventilation air received from the units is/arepreferably measured.

The amount of recirculated air is preferably so regulated, in dependenceon at least one of the measured parameters, that the amount increases ifthe air temperature is below a predetermined temperature value, or theamount decreases if the air humidity is over a limit value, or theamount decreases if the CO₂ content is above a predetermined value.

The ventilation system preferably supplies ventilation air to all theunits on the transport trailer in an amount in the range of from 10,000m³/h to 100,000 m³/h, preferably in the range of from 30,000 m³/h to80,000 m³/h.

The method preferably serves to transport live poultry to aslaughterhouse and to receive live poultry at the slaughterhouse,wherein poultry is accommodated during transport in units having atleast two floors, wherein live poultry arrives at the slaughterhouse inunits on a transport trailer of a vehicle, wherein the transport trailercomprises a ventilation system which supplies ventilation air to theindividual poultry transport unit via ventilation or air outflowopenings situated within the inner volume above the floors of the unitscarrying the poultry, wherein the units, after arrival at theslaughterhouse, remain on the transport trailer during lairage and theventilation system is operated during lairage.

After lairage, the units are preferably transferred from the transporttrailer to a CAS (controlled atmosphere stunning) apparatus and thecontrolled atmosphere is effected by mechanical ventilation directlyinto ventilation lines extending into the interior of the unit to atleast one gas outlet opening in each inner volume in the unit thatcontains poultry.

A recording system preferably detects and records parameters which areselected from the group a) ventilation air temperature, b) ventilationair humidity, c) outlet air temperature, d) outlet air humidity, e) CO₂content in outlet air, f) ambient temperature, g) ambient humidity, h)transport duration, i) lairage duration, j) vibration level, k) noiselevel and l) light intensity.

At least the parameters c) outlet temperature and d) outlet air humidityare preferably detected and recorded.

The transport trailer preferably receives a plurality of units or aplurality of stacks of units, wherein the recording system detects andrecords the chosen parameters for the individual unit or the individualstack of units.

The ventilation system supplies ventilation column sections extendinginto the inner volume of the poultry transport unit with ventilation,and the forced ventilation air flows through ventilation openings whichare situated within the inner volume at the ventilation column section,where effective ventilation can be achieved even for broilers which arestanding with other broilers between themselves and the side walls ofthe broiler transport unit. The inner volume, or the individual innervolumes when the broiler transport unit has a plurality of floors, isthus ventilated from the inside outwards, and all the broilers in thetransport unit receive good ventilation in amounts that ensure anacceptable local climate. The reliable distribution of ventilation inthe inner volumes allows the floors of the broiler transport units to befilled very tightly with broilers and acceptable welfare of the broilersbetween other broilers in the middle regions of the floors neverthelessto be maintained.

The ventilation system of the broiler transport trailer ventilates theinner volumes of transport units situated behind other broiler transportunits via the ventilation column section(s) in the mentioned otherbroiler transport units. The ventilation column sections serve as partof the ventilation system on the trailer. The common ventilation columnsformed by the ventilation column sections distribute forced ventilationair from the ventilation system to all the broiler transport units inthe row through which the common ventilation column extends. Theindividual ventilation column sections serve to effectively ventilatethe interior of the broiler transport unit to which the section belongsand to distribute ventilation to other broiler transport units in therow.

The common ventilation columns are built up on the transport trailerduring loading of the broiler transport units onto the transporttrailer, and the ventilation system on the trailer therefore needs onlyto supply ventilation air to ends of the common ventilation columns inorder to ventilate all the broiler transport units in each inner volumecontaining broilers.

A further advantage of the present method for ventilating broilertransport units is that the side walls and/or floors of the transportunits can be produced without or with only limited openings. The sidewalls are thus better able to protect the broilers from environmentalinfluences such as rain and sunlight, and floors without openingsprevent bird droppings from floors above from falling onto the broilersbeneath the floor.

The ventilation openings in the inner volumes are preferably positionedat a distance above the floors and suitably above the breast height ofbroilers standing on the floor.

It is possible to arrange a central ventilation region so that itextends over the length of the trailer, but a result thereof would bethat broiler transport units would have to be loaded onto the trailerfrom both sides. In order to simplify loading of the trailer, it ispreferred in one embodiment for the ventilation system of the broilertransport trailer to supply forced ventilation air to and/or fromventilation column sections in broiler transport units situated at anend of rows, preferably at an upper end of rows extending downwards orat a front end of rows extending towards the rear end of the trailer orat a side end of rows extending in the width direction of the trailer.

The ventilation system of the trailer can be integrated with the broilertransport units which are loaded onto the trailer in stacks placed oneon top of another, without actually placing the stacks precisely inrelation to the trailer and to one another; ventilation devices are thenplaced on individual vertical common ventilation columns, or apositionable ventilation channel or ventilation hose can be connected toindividual common ventilation columns. However, these operations aretime-consuming, and it is therefore preferred for the broiler transportunits to be loaded onto the broiler transport trailer in a predeterminedpattern, in which the ventilation column sections are joined to form thecommon ventilation shafts and the common ventilation shafts are then inalignment with ventilation devices or ventilation openings which arearranged on the trailer in a pattern corresponding to the loadingpattern of the broiler transport units. The predetermined pattern caninclude predetermined positions on the trailer, and such predeterminedpositions can be defined by providing markings or projections on thefloor of the trailer which serve as guides for surfaces of the broilertransport units or coincide with depressions or recesses in the floor ofthe transport units. Alternatively, a more complex system can be used,in which the transport units are positioned by means of a robotichandling apparatus.

In one embodiment, at least one ventilation section of the ventilationsystem is activated and begins to ventilate loaded broiler transportunits while further broiler transport units are being loaded onto thetrailer. It can take some time for a trailer to be loaded fully, forexample one hour, because the broilers are typically loaded into thebroiler transport units and the units are then loaded onto the truck. Itis advantageous for the welfare of broilers if the local forcedventilation to the broilers in each broiler transport unit is startedwithin 15 minutes of loading the broiler transport unit onto thetrailer. It is accordingly advantageous if broiler transport units canbe loaded onto one section of the trailer and then connected to theventilation system of the trailer while other sections of the trailerare being loaded with broiler transport units. Alternatively, a largenumber of broiler transport units can be loaded with broilers and loadedonto the trailer as a common set, and in this case the time from loadingbroilers into the units to the end of the trailer loading operation andconnection of the ventilation can be so short that all the broilers arefine even without section-wise connection of ventilation. In anotherembodiment, it is possible to place broilers in a stack and then loadthe stack onto the trailer and connect it to the ventilation, followingwhich the procedure is continued with the next stack.

The ventilation air supplied to the ventilation pipe sections in thebroiler transport units flows from the ventilation openings in thebroiler transport units out of ventilation openings at side walls of thebroiler transport units. The ventilation air supplied to the innervolumes can flow out of the inner volume and through one or more rows ofventilation openings into, for example, one or two side walls of thebroiler transport unit. In order to effect the flow of air away from thebroiler transport units, these could be arranged with a free distance tothe adjacent row on at least one side of the row, so that space throughwhich ventilation air can flow remains between columns. Alternatively,the rows of broiler transport units can be arranged tightly side byside, and the adjacent side walls of the broiler transport units inadjacent rows can have mutually matching ventilation column sections, sothat the tightly stacked broiler transport units joined together definecommon ventilation columns at the side walls for the flow of ventilationair out of the broiler transport units. An advantage is that the sidewalls of the broiler transport units can be closed side walls, apartfrom the ventilation column sections in the walls. The closed side wallsrender the broiler transport units almost independent of the ambientconditions, apart from the conditions of the ambient air.

Alternatively, it is possible that ventilation air supplied toventilation channel sections in the broiler transport units flows out ofventilation openings at side walls of the broiler transport units to theventilation openings in the broiler transport units. The reversal of thedirections of flow scarcely changes the principles. The advantagesmentioned above also apply to the opposite direction of flow. It is alsopossible to change between one direction of flow and the other directionof flow. This can make the ventilation to the broilers even more uniformover time, irrespective of their location on the transport trailer.

It is also possible to obtain the directions of flow in other ways. Thedirections of flow can be controlled by the ventilation system byapplying an overpressure at the ends of some of the common ventilationcolumns, while no pressure or a low pressure is applied to other of thecommon ventilation columns on the trailer. Ventilation column sectionswith different pressure and/or direction of flow in the same broilertransport unit are possible with the ventilation system, but it is alsopossible, for example, to apply overpressure to a ventilation column inone broiler transport unit and low pressure to a ventilation column inanother broiler transport unit and to achieve a flow of ventilation airfrom one broiler transport unit to the other via ventilation openings inthe side walls of the units. It is also possible that the ventilationsystem supplies different flows or different ventilation aircompositions to some common ventilation columns than to otherventilation columns. One example thereof is where it is advantageous tohave differences in the ventilation flows in different broiler transportunits, for example when only one side of the trailer is heated by solarradiation and must be cooled, while the other side does not need to becooled.

It is possible that the ventilation system supplies ventilation air tothe broiler transport units only on the basis of ambient air drawn in bymechanical ventilation or on the basis of air drawn in by the airpressure at air intake openings facing the direction of travel, or acombination of the two. Alternatively, however, it is also possible tocondition the ventilation air by mixing spent ventilation air with theventilation air supplied by the ventilation system. In one embodiment,the ventilation system on the broiler transport trailer receivesventilation air from the broiler transport units and recirculates atleast a portion of the received ventilation air back to the broilertransport units as ventilation air. This can be relevant in cold ambientconditions, in which the recirculated ventilation air leads to a highertemperature in the broiler transport units at least in the initialphases of the transport.

It is possible that at least one of the parameters a) air temperature,b) air humidity and c) CO₂ content in the air is measured on the trailerin ventilation air received by the broiler transport units. Theseparameters can give information about the current welfare of broilersand whether there would be advantages in improving the ventilation tothe broilers. If the broilers become too warm, they give off heat byaspiration, and the aspiration releases moisture, so that the airhumidity and the air temperature in the air flowing out of the broilertransport units are each an indicator of whether the ventilation issufficient or must be adjusted. The CO₂ content, on the other hand, canrequire a maximum limit value, and recirculation may be limited undersome ventilation conditions by the CO₂ content in the air. However, oneor more of the parameters can also be measured solely for the purpose ofdocumenting the welfare of the broilers during transport.

The amount of recirculated air can be regulated in dependence on atleast one of the measured parameters, preferably in such a manner thatthe amount increases if the air temperature is below a predeterminedtemperature value, or the amount decreases if the air humidity is abovea limit value, or the amount decreases if the CO₂ content is above apredetermined value.

In one embodiment, the ventilation system provides ventilation air toall the broiler transport units on the broiler transport trailer in atotal amount in the range of from 10,000 m³/h to 100,000 m³/h,preferably in the range of from 30,000 m³/h to 80,000 m³/h.

The object is also achieved by a poultry slaughterhouse having a poultrylairage region for live poultry using at least one broiler containeraccording to one or more of claims 1 to 23 and/or a unit according toone or more of claims 24 to 30 and/or an arrangement according to one ormore of claims 31 to 33 and/or a transport trailer according to one ormore of claims 34 to 43.

Preferably, the live poultry arrives at the slaughterhouse in poultrytransport units on a trailer of a vehicle, wherein the trailer comprisesa ventilation system for ventilating the poultry transport units,wherein the poultry lairage region of the poultry slaughterhouse has aplurality of parking regions with supply sockets for operating theventilation systems on trailers which are temporarily placed in thepoultry lairage region, wherein the ventilation systems ventilateventilation columns extending into the inner volumes of the poultrytransport units.

The poultry lairage region is preferably at least in part an outsideregion.

A poultry receiving system at the poultry slaughterhouse preferablyincludes semi-automatic or automatic actuators which are designed toengage poultry transport units on a trailer and transfer the poultrytransport units to a conveyor in the poultry receiving system.

The slaughterhouse preferably comprises a CAS (controlled atmospherestunning) apparatus with a chamber having at least one ventilationopening having at least one outlet opening, which is designed fortemporary connection to and guiding of controlled atmosphere gas into atleast one local ventilation line leading to at least one ventilation gasoutlet opening situated in at least one inner volume of a poultrytransport container or a poultry transport unit, and wherein the atleast one ventilation device in the CAS apparatus guides controlledatmosphere gas by forced ventilation to each inner volume receivingpoultry in the poultry transport container or the poultry transportunit.

Preferably, a delivery system for delivering poultry transport units tothe CAS apparatus is arranged to receive poultry transport units fromthe trailer and convey received poultry transport units directly to theCAS apparatus.

With the design according to the invention of the poultryslaughterhouse, the lairage region can be managed with lower operatingcosts, and the building investment costs associated with setting up thelairage region are preferably also reduced.

With regard to the slaughterhouse according to the present invention,the poultry lairage region of the poultry slaughterhouse has a pluralityof parking regions with supply sockets for operating the ventilationsystems on trailers placed temporarily in the poultry lairage region,wherein the mentioned ventilation systems ventilate ventilation columnsextending into the inner volumes of the poultry transport units. Byproviding parking regions for trailers and by using trailers having anon-board ventilation system which ventilates ventilation columnsextending into the poultry transport units, the transport unitscontaining the poultry can be kept on the trailer until they can beconveyed directly to the stunning and slaughtering sections or to theslaughterhouse.

The need for a lairage building which ventilates transport units afterthey have been unloaded from the trailer, and for individual placing ofthe transport units in the ventilated building, is therefore eliminated.It is important for the possibility of keeping the transport units onthe trailer in the lairage parking region that the ventilation systemventilating the trailer has ventilation columns which extend into theinner volumes of the transport units. Only with such ventilation columnsis it possible properly to ventilate the poultry situated in the middleof an individual inner volume, and for a stack of transport units whichare situated in the inner region of the trailer loading region betweenother stacks of transport units, such ventilation columns within thestacks are very important for avoiding overheating of the poultry.

A further important advantage is achieved with regard to the activitiesthat are necessary when a loaded poultry transport trailer is received.The necessity for handling of the poultry transport units is reducedbecause they no longer need to be unloaded from the trailer, broughtinto the lairage building and then transported out of lairage again.Because each handling step means noise, vibrations and changes to theenvironment for the poultry accommodated in the poultry transport units,an increased stress level for the poultry is unavoidably obtained, andthe omission only of a single handling step therefore means improvedmeat quality, for example because the frequency of so-called PSE (pale,soft, exudative) meat is reduced. In terms of a single poultry transportunit, the effect may be small, but from the large perspective of theoverall production of a modern poultry slaughterhouse, such smallimprovements add up to a considerable economic gain, and theimprovements are clearly advantageous also from the perspective of thewelfare of the animals.

A further advantage is that the driver transporting the poultrytransport units to the slaughterhouse no longer needs to wait for thetrailer to be unloaded. He can simply leave the trailer parked andconnected in the lairage region and take another trailer which haspreviously been unloaded and possibly filled with empty transport units.

The trailer itself provides adequate shelter for the poultry during thewaiting period, so that no building is actually required in the lairageregion. The lairage region can accordingly be an outside region, but itis also possible to equip the lairage region with sun or wind protectionor with a shelter for the supply sockets. The poultry lairage region canaccordingly be an outside region at least in part. In some climatezones, the parking regions are expediently covered in order to protectthe trailers from the sun and/or rain. An open construction allowsnatural ventilation to be used in addition to the forced ventilation onthe trailers, but in some cases it may be necessary to provide temporaryor permanent side coverings or walls, in particular to protect thesupply sockets.

It is of course still possible to unload the trailers using forklifttrucks, but a poultry receiving system at the poultry slaughterhouse canalso have semi-automatic or automatic actuators which are so designedthat they engage poultry transport units on a trailer and convey thepoultry transport units to a conveyor in the poultry receiving system.The poultry transport units can thus be conveyed directly and withoutproblems to a conveyor which brings them to the stunning section, whichin turn results in a reduction in the handling-related stress levels ofthe poultry. An example of such actuators is an ejection mechanism whichis provided in the floor of the trailer and presses on the floor of eachpoultry transport unit so that it is pushed out of the trailer and ontoa receiving conveyor which is arranged permanently or temporarily on alevel with the floor of the trailer. This not only results in theelimination of the swinging and turning movement which occurs when thetransport units are unloaded using forklift trucks; it also permitsbetter controlled (slower) acceleration and deceleration. It is possiblefor one transport unit at a time to be unloaded, or the entire load on atrailer can be unloaded at once, depending on the construction of theactuators and of the receiving system and on the capacity of thestunning and slaughtering sections. In the semi-automatic version, anoperator decides which transport units are unloaded when and thenactivates the actuators, while in the automatic system, the presence ofa full trailer is registered, for example by means of optical sensorscoupled to a computer system, and transport units are unloadedpreferably in response to feedback data from the stunning andslaughtering sections. When poultry transport units on the trailer arestacked one on top of another, it may be expedient to have receivingconveyors at different heights and/or to use vertically adjustablereceiving conveyors. Alternatively, a de-stacker can be provided.

In order to reduce the number of handling steps still further andimprove the quality of the meat, the slaughterhouse can comprise a CAS(controlled atmosphere stunning) apparatus having a chamber with atleast one ventilation devices with at least one outlet opening, which isso designed that it is temporarily connected to controlled atmosphereventilation gas and guides that gas into at least one local ventilationline leading to at least one ventilation gas outlet opening situated inat least one inner volume of a poultry transport container or of apoultry transport unit. It is thus avoided that the poultry is unloadedonto a conveyor and transported into the stunning apparatus, anoperation which can place the poultry in a state of confusion anddiscomfort; more importantly, however, the supply of gas into the localventilation lines ensures that each bird receives the same gascomposition for the desired duration because all the birds receive thegas at the same time. This effect is promoted still further if the atleast one ventilation device in the CAS apparatus preferably directscontrolled atmosphere gas by forced ventilation to each inner volume inthe poultry transport container or in the poultry transport unit thatreceives poultry.

The transport units can be brought directly into the stunning apparatuswithout the need for compartments to be emptied as in EP 0 384 530 A1.As a result, the number of handling steps experienced by the poultrybefore stunning is reduced, and the work associated with handling andthe required equipment are simplified.

In one embodiment, a supply system for poultry transport units to theCAS apparatus is arranged to receive poultry transport units from thetrailer and convey received poultry transport units directly to the CASapparatus. This produces a construction which is structurally verysimple and a very short handling time, which results in the advantagethat the stress levels of the poultry are kept low.

The invention relates also to a method for transporting live poultry toa slaughterhouse and for receiving live poultry at the slaughterhouse,wherein the poultry is accommodated during transport in poultrytransport units having at least two floors, wherein the live poultryarrives at the slaughterhouse in poultry transport units on a trailer ofa vehicle, wherein the trailer comprises a ventilation system.

In order to optimise the welfare and handling of the poultry prior toslaughter, the ventilation system guides ventilation air into theindividual poultry transport units via ventilation openings situatedwithin the inner volumes above the floors of the poultry transport unitscarrying the poultry, wherein the poultry transport units remain on thetrailer during lairage after arrival at the slaughterhouse and theventilation system is operated during lairage.

The advantages relating to a reduced number of handling steps and areduced total handling time apply equally to this aspect of theinvention. In this method, however, the trailer does not need to beconnected to a supply socket at the slaughterhouse but can use its ownon-board energy supply as an alternative and may remain connected to thetruck or other engine during the lairage time.

As described in detail with regard to the above-mentionedslaughterhouse, it is advantageous if the poultry transport units aretransferred after lairage from the trailer to a CAS (controlledatmosphere stunning) apparatus and the controlled atmosphere is guidedby mechanical ventilation directly into ventilation lines which extendinto the interior of the transport unit to at least one gas outletopening in each inner volume in the poultry transport unit that receivespoultry.

In a further development of the method according to the presentinvention, parameters selected from the group a) ventilation airtemperature, b) ventilation air humidity, c) outlet air temperature, d)outlet air humidity, e) CO₂ content in outlet air, f) ambienttemperature, g) ambient air humidity, h) transport duration, i) lairageduration, j) vibration level, k) noise level and l) light intensity aredetected and recorded by a recording system.

Some of these parameters are potential stress factors for poultry, anddetection of these factors during transport and parking can serve todocument high welfare of the poultry or to document conditions whichshould be avoided or reduced. The detection and recording can becompared with specific limit values for specific parameters and coupledwith a warning system which, for example, informs the driver or anoffice of the undesirable condition which has been caused by the limitvalue being exceeded, and this can be used to change or regulate theconditions causing the warning. One example may be vibrations caused bydriving too quickly on an agricultural road, and the warning can lead toa reduction in the speed.

Other of the indicated parameters can be used to detect the condition ofthe poultry, such as, for example, whether the poultry is too warm. Theoutlet air humidity in combination with the ventilation air humidity canshow whether the poultry is beginning to become too warm, and thisinformation can be used in regulating the ventilation and achievingimproved welfare of the poultry. The recording of one or more of theparameters can not only be used by the carrier to demonstrate to hiscustomer that the poultry has been treated properly during transport,but it can also be used, for example, to provide the completed meatproduct with an animal welfare certificate.

If it is decided to focus on a limited number of factors, it can beadvantageous to detect and record at least the parameters c) outlet airtemperature and d) outlet air humidity, because these factors caninfluence the quality of the meat after slaughter.

It is preferred that the trailer receives a plurality of poultrytransport units or a plurality of stacks of poultry transport units andthat the recording system detects and records the chosen parameters forthe individual poultry transport unit or the individual stack of poultrytransport units. The conditions in each poultry transport unit or eachindividual stack can thus be regulated independently in order, forexample, to compensate for higher temperatures in one end region of thetrailer than in the opposite end region.

It is noted that it is possible to apply either an overpressure or a lowpressure to the ventilation columns, so that air is either forced out ofthe ventilation columns and into the inner volumes or is drawn out ofthe inner volumes and into the ventilation column. The ventilationcolumns can be closed at one end. When transport units having a palletsupport are used, the ventilation columns can extend into or through thepallet.

In one embodiment, the ventilation openings and the ventilation devicesare arranged at the roof of the trailer or at the floor of the trailer,and the ventilation columns extend vertically within the stacks. Theventilation devices, such as, for example, fans or compressors, of theventilation arrangement can then be provided at the roof and/or at thefloor of the trailer. If ventilation devices are situated both at theroof and at the floor, they can work together in order to increase airflows in the ventilation columns, or they can ventilate differentcolumns. If a plurality of transport units are arranged one on top ofanother, ventilation devices at the roof can ventilate the uppertransport units, and ventilation devices at the floor can ventilate thelower transport units. Ventilation devices at the roof and/or at thefloor potentially also offer free access to the trailer, so thattransport units can be loaded and unloaded from each side, butventilation devices can also be situated at the sides of the trailereither as an alternative or in addition to ventilation devices at theroof and/or at the floor. Likewise, it is also possible to use acombination of horizontal and vertical ventilation columns.

In one embodiment, the ventilation system has at least 20 ventilationopenings and/or ventilation devices which are arranged at the roof ofthe trailer or at the floor of the trailer in positions corresponding toventilation column end openings facing upwards or downwards on thepoultry transport units which are temporarily placed on the poultrytransport trailer. The arrangement at the roof makes it easier to createspace for loading the poultry transport units by raising the ventilationsection during loading or unloading.

In one embodiment, the trailer is provided with at least one ventilationdevice per stack and preferably with one ventilation device perventilation column in the stack. This permits very precise regulation ofthe ventilation to local inner volumes, as a result of which, forexample, colder air is guided to columns in the middle of the trailer,where the temperature tends to be higher than at the sides, or pressurescaused by the movement of the trailer can be compensated for, whichpressures can influence in particular the transport of transport unitswith relatively open side walls. Accordingly, it is advantageous if suchventilation devices can be regulated individually, preferably in such amanner that at least a preset ventilation rate (m³ air per second) isdelivered. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a fan at eachventilation column, but it is also possible to provide one or a numberof fans which are connected to distribution channels which may beprovided with valves for regulating the air flow. The provision of morethan one ventilation device per stack has the advantage that theventilation is not interrupted completely if one ventilation devicefails.

In one embodiment, the trailer is equipped with a CO₂ supply systemwhich provides ventilation air with a CO₂ content preferably in therange of from 3 to 22 vol. %, and the CO₂ supply system receives CO₂preferably from exhalation air from poultry and/or from exhaust gas fromthe transport drive vehicle. CO₂ can be used to stun poultry, and theeffective supply into the inner volumes by mechanical ventilation hasbeen mentioned in the above description as an advantage of thedistribution of the carbon dioxide via the ventilation columns. Duringtransport, however, a lower CO₂ concentration may be used so that thepoultry is kept calmer during transport without actually being stunned.Transport examples of the prior art in open crates have shown hightransport-related weight losses, such as, for example, a weight loss of15% of the initial body weight at the start of transport. Apart from theeffects of heat and the resulting panting, the poultry may also beanxious owing to the completely new environment it experiences duringtransport—with noises, movements, bright light—and this can result inthe poultry using energy due to stress. By controlling the compositionof the ventilation air, poultry can be calmed, and this is advantageousboth for its welfare and for reducing weight loss. The ventilationsystem on the trailer according to the present invention is effective indistributing the ventilation air evenly, so that additions, for example,of carbon dioxide in small amounts can be regulated. If the carbondioxide content exceeds 22 vol. %, the poultry probably becomesunconscious, which is not considered an advantage during transport.

In one embodiment, the trailer is provided with a recording system fordetecting and recording parameters chosen from the group a) ventilationair temperature, b) ventilation air humidity, c) ambient airtemperature, d) ambient air humidity, e) outlet air temperature, f)outlet air humidity, g) CO₂ content in outlet air, h) transportduration, i) lairage duration, j) vibration level, k) noise level and l)light intensity. This recording system can run on the same processingdevice or computer as is used for controlling the ventilationarrangement, or it can run on a separate processing device whichcommunicates with the mentioned processor device, and data from therecording system can then be used for controlling the ventilationarrangement, for example by providing an increased air flow in someventilation columns if an unacceptable temperature is detected in thevicinity of those columns. Alternatively, the recording system can be anisolated system which is used only for detection and recording purposes.The recording system can also be associated wholly or in part with thetransport unit, so that one or more of the above-mentioned parameterscan be detected and recorded even after the transport unit has beenunloaded from the trailer.

The recording system can have one or more separate detectors andrecording devices which are able to communicate via (a) wirelessconnection(s), but it is also possible to use smaller local units inwhich the detector and the recording device are part of the same unit.Such units can be added to and removed from the transport units inconjunction with the filling and emptying of the transport units, andthey can be disposable or reusable.

The ventilation devices can comprise bellows or the like for producing asuitable air-tight connection with the ventilation columns, and/or theventilation arrangement can comprise actuators for moving theventilation devices into and out of contact with the openings of theventilation columns.

A computer system designed to control the ventilation arrangementautomatically or semi-automatically can be provided on the trailer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of embodiments of the invention will be described in greaterdetail below with reference to the schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a broiler transport container in aperspective view seen from above,

FIG. 2 shows a broiler transport unit composed of broiler transportcontainers as can be seen in FIG. 1 in cross-section along the lineXX-XX in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a broiler transport container in aperspective view seen from above,

FIG. 4 shows the broiler transport container in FIG. 3 in a perspectiveview seen from beneath,

FIG. 5 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 4 but seen from a slightlydifferent angle,

FIG. 6 shows five containers of the type shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 whichare arranged in a stack on a pallet,

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section along line V-V in FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 shows a cross-section along line VI-VI in FIG. 6,

FIG. 8b shows the detail marked VIB from the side, indicated by thearrow in FIG. 8,

FIG. 9 shows the pallet in FIG. 6 in a perspective view from above,

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a broiler transport container in aperspective view seen from above,

FIG. 11 shows the broiler transport container in FIG. 10 in aperspective view seen from beneath,

FIG. 12 shows yet another embodiment of a broiler transport container ina perspective view seen from above,

FIG. 13 shows the broiler transport container in FIG. 12 in aperspective view seen from beneath,

FIG. 14 shows yet another embodiment of a broiler transport container ina partially cutaway perspective view seen from above and arranged closeto another broiler transport container of the same type in a pair-wiseconfiguration,

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a ventilation column as in FIG. 14,

FIG. 16 shows yet another embodiment of a broiler transport container ina partially cutaway perspective view seen from above, wherein three suchbroiler transport containers are arranged one on top of another, whereinthe stack is arranged on two pallets arranged close together, andwherein a covering is provided on the uppermost broiler transportcontainer to form a transport unit,

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the detail marked XV in FIG. 16,

FIG. 18 shows three transport units which are constructed as illustratedin FIG. 16, wherein each unit comprises ten broiler transport containerswhich are arranged on a truck trailer having a vertically adjustableroof with a ventilation arrangement,

FIG. 19 shows the ventilation on a truck loaded with transport unitscontaining four and five broiler transport containers of the type shownin FIGS. 10 and 11,

FIG. 20 shows yet another embodiment of a broiler transport containerhaving side doors,

FIG. 21 shows yet a further embodiment of a broiler transport containerin a perspective view seen from above,

FIG. 22 shows a broiler transport container in FIG. 21 in a perspectiveview seen from beneath,

FIG. 23 shows a group of broiler transport containers as in FIGS. 21 and22 in a perspective view seen from above,

FIG. 24 shows yet a further embodiment of a broiler transport containerin a perspective view seen from above,

FIG. 25 shows four different cross-sectional forms of floors of broilertransport containers,

FIG. 26 shows transport units composed of broiler transport containersas illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 arranged on a truck trailer,

FIG. 27 shows an embodiment of a transport unit according to the presentinvention in a perspective view seen from beneath,

FIG. 28 shows four transport units of the embodiment of FIG. 27 arrangedwith two transport units in a stack and two such stacks placed side byside,

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view as in FIG. 27 of another embodiment ofthe transport unit,

FIGS. 30 and 31 show perspective views of third and fourth embodimentsof the transport unit from above,

FIG. 32 shows a truck loaded with transport units according to theembodiment of FIG. 30,

FIG. 33 shows a truck with the trailer loaded with transport units eachcontaining four or five broiler containers, seen from the side,

FIG. 34 shows two trucks with poultry transport trailers and two parkedtrailers at a slaughterhouse, in a schematic view seen from above,

FIG. 35 shows an apparatus for controlled atmosphere stunning,

FIG. 36 shows a schematic representation of a rearing enterprise,

FIG. 37 shows a schematic representation of two units which, for therearing of broilers, are connected to a ventilation system and a supplyfor feed,

FIG. 38 shows a single container which is designed and configured forthe rearing and transport of broilers, and

FIG. 39 shows a schematic representation of an agricultural installationfrom the breeding station to the loading station onto the transporttrailers for transport to the poultry slaughterhouse.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of a broiler transport container 1 according to theinvention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It comprises a substantially squarefloor 11 and four side walls 12, 13, which together delimit an innervolume of a size to receive at least five live broilers (not shown). Aventilation column (as a ventilation opening or air outflow opening) inthe container can also be referred to as a ventilation column section 14or segment, because it becomes a section of a common ventilation columnwhich extends through a plurality of broiler transport containers whenthey are stacked to form a unit or loaded onto a transport trailer. Theventilation column section 14 extends in the middle of the floor fromthe floor 11 into the inner volume, and a recess 19 (as an air outflowopening or ventilation opening) is provided in one of the side walls.Each ventilation column section 14 and each recess 19 is provided withelongate ventilation openings 15 which extend over almost the entireheight of the column.

In connection with the ventilation or air outflow column, “segment”describes a section of a column which can serve as a ventilation or airoutflow column. It is both a longitudinal-axis section of a column and across-sectional section of a column. Joining a plurality of segments, ora plurality of column sections, of adjacent containers in all casesresults in a common column. Each ventilation column can also be an airoutflow column, depending on whether an overpressure or a low pressureis generated by the ventilation system. Therefore, any mention in thefollowing of a ventilation column can correspondingly also mean the airoutflow column, and vice versa. Mention is also made generally in thefollowing only of the column. Each segment or each ventilation columnsection 14 can form or constitute a separate column. Each segmentacquires particular importance, however, in a unit described hereinbelowcomprising at least two containers, namely when a plurality of segmentsform a common column.

The ventilation column section 14 is arranged at a distance d_(T) fromone side wall 12 and at a distance d_(L) from the other side walls 13.These distances d_(T), d_(L) are such that there is space for at leastone broiler between each of the columns 14 and the respective side walls12, 13, and they are therefore at least 0.17 m. This distance not onlyprevents broilers from becoming trapped, but it also providesventilation for a region of the inner volume.

In this embodiment, the ventilation column section 14 has a height h_(C)corresponding to the height of the side walls 12, 13, and is cylindricalwith a cavity in the middle and a constant diameter dc, apart from asmall angled portion 17 which is provided at the joining face with thefloor 11. As mentioned, each column 14 can have a height h_(C) whichcorresponds approximately to the height of the side walls 12, 13(including the thickness of the floor), so that the columns 14 are sodesigned that they serve as support columns for supporting the floor 11of a further broiler transport container 1 stacked on top of the broilertransport container 1, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6-8.

One side wall 13 is provided with a semicircular recess 19 having adiameter d_(R) which is slightly greater than that of the column section14, and the recess is also provided with ventilation openings 20. Inorder to ensure the stability of the broiler transport container 1 evenwhen it is fully loaded with broilers, a carrier 21 bridges the recess19 as a continuation of the plane of the side wall 13. This carrier isalso suitable for use as a handle when the container is handled eithermanually or automatically.

The column section 14 is so designed that it serves as a ventilationcolumn, and the openings 15 are designed as ventilation openings whichallow ventilation air to be guided via the cavity 16 into the column andthrough the ventilation openings into the inner volume of the broilertransport container. In this manner it is possible to supply fresh aireven to birds that are situated at a distance from the side walls 12,13, which were usually provided with ventilation openings. The airsupply can also be used to heat or cool the inner volume of thecontainer.

Ventilation air supplied through the ventilation openings 15 in thecolumn section 14 can emerge via the openings 20 in the recess 19 in theside wall, and it will be appreciated that air can also be supplied inthe opposite direction from the openings 20 in the side wall to theventilation column section when a low pressure is applied to thecolumns.

The rounded surfaces and the relatively large diameter of the columns 14and recesses 19 contribute to protecting the broilers during transportand during loading into the container. If a broiler hits the side of acolumn or recess, there are no sharp edges which could cause bruising,and the cavity can impart a certain impact-absorbing resilience to thecolumns and recesses.

When broiler transport containers of this type are arranged one on topof another in a broiler transport unit as shown in FIG. 2, the columnsections 14 form a common ventilation column 16 which extends verticallythrough all the units, and the recesses 19 form a common ventilationcolumn which extends along one of the outer side walls.

The bevelled section 17 not only reinforces the structure but alsoallows the upper edge of the column section 14 of a lower broilertransport container to project slightly into the corresponding columnsection 14 of an upper broiler transport container in order thus toachieve a relatively tight connection between the ventilation columnsections. It is noted, however, that direct contact between the upperends of the respective ventilation column sections and the outerundersides of the floors of containers arranged above them is notnecessary in order to achieve good ventilation of the inner volumes. Onthe contrary, a gap between the column sections and the floor cancontribute to the distribution of ventilation air, because the gap canform an annular ventilation opening.

The broiler transport container in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a length and awidth of 120 cm, a height of 22.5 cm and a diameter of the ventilationcolumns 14 of 20 cm. The distance d_(T) to the side walls withoutrecesses is 50 cm and the distance d_(L) to the side wall opposite theside wall having the recess 19 is 30 cm.

Another embodiment of a broiler transport container according to theinvention is shown in FIGS. 3-5. This container corresponds to that inFIGS. 1 and 2, except that it is larger and has a differentconfiguration of the ventilation columns, and the same referencenumerals as in FIGS. 1 and 2 have therefore been used.

The container in FIGS. 3-5 comprises a rectangular floor 11, twotransverse side walls 12 and two longitudinal side walls 13. Threecolumn sections 14 extend upwards through the inner volume at a distanced_(T) from the transverse side walls 12 and a distance d_(L) from thelongitudinal side walls 13, the column sections being arranged in a rowalong the middle longitudinal axis L of the container and being evenlyspaced. The ventilation columns in the individual broiler transportcontainer can also be referred to as ventilation column sections 14,because the ventilation columns in the individual broiler transportcontainer are joined together to form a common ventilation column whenthe containers are stacked one on top of another. The presence of morethan one ventilation column section produces better ventilation in theinner volume and allows different pressures to be provided at thedifferent column sections 14 in order to induce an air flow from onecolumn to the other, so that ventilation is possible even if theopenings in the side walls are blocked or no such openings at all arepresent.

The ventilation column sections 14 are designed as in FIGS. 1 and 2, andthe ventilation openings 15 here have a total opening area whichcorresponds to approximately 40% of the total area of the column,corresponding to approximately 9% of the surface area of the floor ofthe broiler transport container, but the openings can also be shorterand/or narrower if a smaller opening area is desired. The lowermostregion of the column can have an annular cross-section without openings,like the column in the embodiment of FIG. 10.

The ventilation column sections 14 have a cavity 16 in the centre andare cylindrical with a constant diameter dc, except for a small bevelledportion 17 provided at the point of connection with the floor 11. Thisbevelled portion not only reinforces the structure but also allows acolumn section of another container to project into the cavity, as willbe described below.

In this embodiment, the height h_(C) of the ventilation sections 14corresponds to the height of the side walls 12, 13, but they can also bemade slightly higher so that they can be brought into engagement with acolumn section of another container.

At the upper end of each column 14 a cross 18 bridges the opening of thecavity 16. This cross contributes to the stability of the column but,which is equally as important, it also functions as a broiler barrier,which prevents broilers from entering the cavity of the column duringloading of the broiler transport container.

Each of the longitudinal walls is provided with two recesses 19 formingcolumn sections 36, and in this embodiment they correspond in size andshape to half a column 14, and the carriers 21 are centred with respectto the height of the longitudinal side wall 13, so that they are evenmore suitable for use as a handle.

It is also possible to provide different pressures at the differentventilation columns in order to induce a flow of air from one column tothe other, so that ventilation is possible even if there are no openingsin the side walls.

The two longitudinal walls are provided with recesses 19 whichcorrespond in size and shape to half a column 14, and they are alsoprovided with ventilation openings 20, but there is no bevelled portionand no cross. In order to ensure the stability of the broiler transportcontainer 1 even when it is fully loaded with broilers, a carrier 21bridging each recess 19 is provided as a continuation of the plane ofthe longitudinal side wall 13. This carrier is also suitable for use asa handle in the case of manual or automatic handling of the container.

The broiler transport container in FIGS. 3-5 has a length of 240 cm, awidth along the transverse side walls 12 of 80 cm and a height of 22.5cm, and the diameter of the ventilation columns 14 is 20 cm. Accordingto current European regulations, the containers may thus receive up to50 broilers having a weight of 3 kg. Other sizes are of course alsopossible.

FIG. 6 shows five broiler transport containers 1, as shown in FIGS. 3-5,stacked one on top of another on a pallet 2 to form a broiler transportunit 3 which conventionally further includes a covering in the form of anet or a lid (not shown) on the upper container.

An operator 4, who has just filled the fourth broiler transportcontainer from the bottom with broilers (not shown), has placed a fifthempty container on top and is ready to load it with broilers.

As can likewise be seen in FIGS. 3-5, the upper edges of the side walls12, 13 have a bevelled portion 22, which projects inwards slightlytowards the inner volume of the container, and a flange 23, whichprojects outwards away from the inner volume. These are designed toengage with a bevelled edge portion 24 of the floor 11 when containers1, 1′ are stacked one on top of another as shown in FIG. 6, so that theupper container 1′ is able to rest on the lower container 1 without aportion thereof protruding outwards beyond the planes of the outsides ofthe side walls 12, 13 and substantially without limiting the opening ofthe inner volume as shown in FIG. 7, which is a cross-sectional view ofthe detail marked V-V in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-section through the transport unit 3 along lineVI-VI in FIG. 6. As can be seen, the column sections 14 of the fivebroiler transport containers 1, 1′ are positioned as a continuation ofone another when the containers are stacked, so that they form a commonventilation column 16 in the form of a continuous hollow-cylindricalchannel through the transport unit. By applying an air pressure to thechannels 16, all the broiler transport containers 1, 1′ in the transportunit can be ventilated at the same time.

The recesses 19 in the side walls are likewise situated one aboveanother, as is also shown in FIG. 6, so that semicircular continuoushollow columns 36 are formed at the longitudinal side walls 13, whichcan contribute to the ventilation of the transport unit as a whole. Whenthe transport unit is arranged close to another transport unit composedof broiler transport containers of the same type and is in alignmenttherewith, the recess columns 36 in those transport units are alignedand form a common ventilation column having a circular cross-section,which is similar to that of the channel 16 formed by the ventilationcolumns. A similar effect can be achieved by arranging the transportunit with the longitudinal side wall 13 close to a wall or the like inorder thus to close the recesses 19 and produce a semicircularventilation channel.

In this embodiment, the channel 16 formed by the columns 14 continuesinto the pallet 2, which is provided with a row of openings 27 in thesame positions as the columns in the broiler transport containers, as islikewise shown in FIG. 9, but this does not need to be the case. Thechannels formed by the recesses 19 do not continue into the pallet, butcan do so in other embodiments. Horizontal openings 28 in the pallet 2are designed for engagement with the arms of a forklift truck (notshown) used for handling the transport unit 3. These horizontal openingscan be in communication with one of the channels 16, 36, but that is notthe case in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9. These openings canbe used for correctly positioning the lowermost broiler transportcontainer 1 of a stack by aligning the columns 14 therein with theopenings 27 and also for positioning the (transport) unit 3 on a truck,a trailer or another vehicle.

The provision of pallets and/or coverings and the engagement betweencontainers described with reference to FIG. 7 also applies to theembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Another embodiment of a broiler transport container 101 is shown inFIGS. 10 and 11. Reference numerals corresponding to those in FIGS. 1-9are used, but with the addition of 100, and features having suchcorresponding reference numerals then have the same function unlessindicated otherwise.

This broiler transport container 101 also has three ventilation columnsections 114 which are so arranged that they project from the floor 111and form a ventilation column 116, but the container is of a simplerconstruction, and the ventilation openings 115 are provided only at theupper edges of the column sections. These ventilation openings have asmaller total opening area than those shown in FIGS. 1-9 and aresituated at head height of the broilers. The ventilation efficiency isin many cases the same, however, because the bodies and plumage of thebroilers (not shown) in the container frequently block lower portions orventilation openings or hinder the distribution of air along the floor,while the openings in FIGS. 8 and 9 are situated at head height of thebroilers.

The shape, size and position of the openings can vary greatly withouthaving a substantial negative effect on the ventilation properties, andother questions, such as, for example, whether the container is betteror worse to clean, should therefore likewise be considered when making adecision about a particular construction. It is also possible to provideregulation of the openings, for example by allowing some ventilationopenings or a portion of ventilation openings to be covered if a smallerarea is desired, for example if different opening areas are desired indifferent inner volumes in a transport unit. This applies to all theembodiments of the invention and to all types of ventilation openings.

The container in FIGS. 10 and 11 does not have recesses in the sidewalls. Instead, it is provided with a series of openings 120 in theupper portion of the longitudinal side walls 113. A flange 126projecting away from the inner volume of the container serves as aspacer, so that there is always a ventilation passage along the outsideof the longitudinal side walls. This permits a ventilation air flow in ahorizontal direction, but also a vertical ventilation flow, because theflanges are provided with openings 119.

The projecting flanges 126 can also be used as handles when handling thecontainers and allow the container to be inserted into a frame systemand used in a transport unit of the prior art if desired.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show yet a further embodiment of a broiler transportcontainer 201, and reference numerals corresponding to those in FIGS.1-9 are used here too, but with the addition of 200, and features havingsuch corresponding reference numerals then have the same function unlessindicated otherwise. It is noted, however, that the illustrations inFIGS. 12 and 13 are highly schematic and that ventilation openings 215,220 are provided only at one ventilation column section 214 and onerecess 219, although all three column sections 214 and all four recesses219 have similar ventilation openings 215, 220.

This embodiment differs from that in FIGS. 1-9 in that the ventilationcolumn sections 214 are provided with a dome 218 (shown only on themiddle column) instead of the cross 18. The dome 218 not only preventsbroilers from entering the ventilation columns 216 but it also protrudesbeyond the upper side of the side walls 212, 213, which means that, whencontainers of this type are stacked, the dome is inserted into thecavity of the ventilation column above, which contributes to the fixingof the two containers in relation to one another and thus to thestability of the stack as a whole.

An even more highly schematic representation of a further embodiment ofa broiler transport container 301 is shown in FIG. 14, and referencenumerals corresponding to those in FIGS. 1-9 are used here too, but withthe addition of 300, and features having such corresponding referencenumerals then have the same function unless indicated otherwise. Thisembodiment differs from those of FIGS. 1 to 9 in that the four recesseshave been replaced by two semicircular columns 336, so that the outsidesof the longitudinal side walls 313 are uninterrupted, and four cornercolumns 329 have each been replaced by a quadrant-shaped cross-section.When such containers are arranged tightly side by side as illustrated inFIG. 14, the columns 319, 329 are placed side by side and together forma circular column which can be ventilated by a common ventilationdevice. In this embodiment, when the outsides of the container areuninterrupted, the circular side columns 319, 329 are divided intoindependent semicircular and quadrant-shaped sub-columns, but if commoncolumns with a uniform air pressure are desired, openings can also beprovided in the side walls, either as in FIGS. 1-9 or in the form ofsmaller openings similar to the ventilation openings illustrated.

The embodiment in FIG. 14 further differs in that there are only twoventilation column sections 314, which are each designed substantiallyas shown in FIG. 15. As can be seen, the ventilation openings 315 inthese ventilation column sections are elongate but shorter than those inthe embodiments of FIGS. 1-9 and distributed in an even pattern over theventilation column sections, so that a combination of the advantagesdescribed with reference to the preceding embodiments is achieved.Another difference is in the construction of the upper portion 337 ofthese column sections 314, which has a reduced diameter compared withthe remainder of the column. The upper portion 337 can thus be insertedinto the cavity at the floor of a corresponding column section ofanother container, as described with reference to the dome in FIG. 12,and they can even interlock with one another if the column sections aresuitably dimensioned.

A further two embodiments of broiler transport containers 401, 401′ areshown in FIG. 16, where a container 401 with reinforcements is arrangedon two pallets 402 and where two containers 401′ of a relativelylightweight construction are arranged thereon and covered with a lid 405in order to form a transport unit 403. Here too, reference numeralscorresponding to those of FIGS. 1-9 are used, with the addition of 400,and features having such reference numerals then have the same functionunless indicated otherwise.

Both these embodiments of the container are provided with ventilationcolumn sections 414 similar to those in FIG. 15 and with ventilationopenings 420 along the upper edges of the side walls 412, 413. Thesefeatures have the same functions as described above with reference toother embodiments and will therefore not be described in greater detailhere.

The use of two pallets 402 arranged side by side allows smaller palletsto be used and thus potentially permits the use of standard palletsand/or the same pallets for smaller and larger versions of the broilertransport container. In this embodiment, the openings 428 in the palletsfor engagement with the arms of a forklift truck (not shown) are open atthe bottom, which reduces the risk of their trapping dirt and makes themeasier to clean than the pallet in FIG. 9. Although not shown, thesepallets can also have ventilation openings 27 corresponding to thoseshown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The lowermost broiler transport container 401 differs from thosedescribed previously in that it has reinforcing sections 430, 431 at thecorners and in the middle of the longitudinal side walls 413. In thisembodiment, the reinforcing sections, which can be solid or hollow asindicated by the broken lines in FIG. 17, are provided with roundedsurfaces facing the inner volume of the container in order to facilitatecleaning and prevent injury to the broilers as described above withreference to the columns, but other shapes can also be used. Thereinforcing sections can also serve as a support for the container 401′arranged on top of the reinforced container 401.

Although the reinforcement is shown here only on the lowermost container401 in the transport unit 403, it will be appreciated that suchcontainers can be used higher in the stack, in particular if the stackcontains more than three containers and/or if they are heavily loaded.Tests have shown that the second lowest container in a stack isfrequently the one that is exposed to the greatest stresses because itcarries the weight of all the loaded containers above it and does nothave the surface support offered by the pallet(s) but rests only on thelowermost container.

As mentioned above, FIG. 8 shows a cross-section through the transportunit 3 along line VI-VI in FIG. 6. As can be seen, the columns 14 of thefive broiler transport containers 1, 1′ are positioned as a continuationof one another when the containers 1, 1′ are stacked, so that they forma continuous hollow-cylindrical column 16 through the unit. Thesecolumns 16 allow the load of the broiler transport container 1, 1′ atthe top of the stack to be transmitted via the columns 14 in thetransport containers 1, 1′ beneath it to the pallet 2 in the middle ofthe transport unit 1, 1′, so that the loads on the side walls and thedistances between supports that are bridged by the floors 11 arereduced. This in turn has the result that the floors 11 and outer sidewalls 12, 13 can be made relatively thin and without reinforcing ribs,as a result of which the material consumption and weight of thecontainer 1 are reduced and at the same time cleaning is facilitated.

When broiler transport containers 1 as shown in FIGS. 3-8 are arrangedin a stack as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the bevelled portion 17 allows theupper edge of the column 14 of a lower broiler transport container 1 toproject slightly into the corresponding column 14 of an upper broilertransport container 1, as is shown in detail in FIG. 8B. Each column 14has an upper and a lower end, it being provided with an uppercorresponding region at the upper end and with a lower correspondingregion at the lower end. In other words, the upper end of the column 14of a first container 1 is so designed that it can be stacked to form apositive and/or non-positive locking engagement with the lower end of acolumn 14 of a second container 1, and vice versa. The broiler transportcontainers 1 are here shown in the empty state, but when they are full,the floor 11 is deflected slightly so that the two columns 14 come intocontact with one another and thus form a load-bearing column asdescribed above. Many other embodiments permitting engagement betweenthe columns 14 are possible, one of which will be described below. Inthe detailed construction, care should be taken to ensure that thebroiler transport containers 1 can easily be placed one on top ofanother, separated and cleaned.

The recesses 19 in the side walls are situated one above another in thesame manner as the columns 14, as can also be seen in FIG. 6, so thatsemicircular continuous hollow columns are formed at the longitudinalside walls 13. These columns 19 themselves have a load-bearing capacityand also contribute to the stability of portions of the side wallsbetween the columns 14 in order thus to increase further the strengthand stability of the (transport) unit.

These advantages can in principle also be achieved with solid columns14, but hollow columns 14 have an excellent load-bearing capacity withvery little material consumption and therefore not only offer strengthand stability for the broiler transport container 1 and the (transport)unit, but also allow the weight of the empty (transport) unit (the tareweight) to be kept low. A comparison with broiler transport units 1 ofthe prior art is shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.

Systems ID1 and ID2, marketed by the applicant Linco Food Systems, andID3, marketed by Anglia Outflow Ltd., Diss, Norfolk, in England, of theprior art represent a type of transport unit in which loose crates ordrawers are held in a frame, while systems ID4-ID7, marketed by MeynFood Processing Technology B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands, represent adifferent type without such drawers. The use of loose drawers allows thesystem to be taken apart, which is advantageous with regard to cleaningof the transport unit, and further permits de-stacking before thebroilers are stunned, but the weight of such systems is relatively high.As is apparent from Table 2, the ratio between the basic unit weight,that is to say the total weight of the empty transport unit, and thetotal available area of the floors in the unit for such systems is from60 to 100 kg/m², while that ratio for the systems without loose drawersis approximately 30 kg/m². Because broiler transport units are typicallyloaded to the maximum permitted weight for the truck or trailer, a hightare weight of the transport unit leaves less capacity for transportingthe broilers.

In a (transport) unit 3 as shown in FIGS. 3-8, the ratio between thebasic unit weight and the total available area for the broilers is verylow, as illustrated in Examples 1 and 2 (ID8 and ID9), in which theratio is 16-17 kg/m².

Although some embodiments of the invention may have a slightly higherratio between the basic unit weight and the total available area, thepresent invention offers a considerable advantage over the prior art.

TABLE 1 Container footprint Area Overall size Column area Brand ID L (m)W (m) A (m²) L × W × H (m) A_(C) (m²) 1 Linco 1.2 1.27 1.52 2.5 × 1.29 ×1.19 Maxiload 2 Linco 1.2 1.27 1.52 2.5 × 1.29 × 1.46 Maxiload 3 Anglia1.16 0.76 0.88 2.44 × 1.17 × 1.3 Autoflow 4 Meyn 2.4 1.2 2.88 2.40 × 1.2× 1.23 EVO 5 Meyn 2.4 1.2 2.88 2.40 × 1.2 × 1.48 EVO 6 Meyn 2.4 1.2 2.882.40 × 1.2 × 1.23 Laco 7 Meyn 2.4 1.2 2.88 2.40 × 1.2 × 1.48 Laco 8Example 1 0.8 2.4 1.76 2.40 × 0.8 × 1.16 5 × π × 0.10² 9 Example 2 0.82.4 1.76 2.40 × 0.8 × 1.41 5 × π × 0.10²

TABLE 2 Basic Basic unit unit Total weight/total Total Frame weightavailable available weight Live weight weight (empty) Number area arealoaded total Brand ID kg kg of tiers m² kg/m² kg kg 1 Linco 224 400 46.08 65.8 Maxiload 2 Linco 270 490 5 7.60 64.5 1340 850 Maxiload 3Anglia 350 4 3.52 99.3 950 600 Autoflow 4 Meyn 340 4 11.52 29.5 1000 660EVO 5 Meyn 395 5 14.4 27.4 1220 825 EVO 6 Meyn 360 4 11.52 31.3 1015 655Laco 7 Meyn 415 5 14.4 28.9 1234 819 Laco 8 Example 1 40 120 4 7.05 17.0600 480 9 Example 2 40 140 5 8.81 15.9 740 600

Arranging the (transport) units 3 close to one another so that theysupport one another from the sides further contributes to the stabilityof the broiler transport containers 1 during transport. In order tofacilitate such an arrangement close together, the side walls have anupper end and a lower end and are provided with upper correspondingregions at the upper end and with lower corresponding regions at thelower end. In particular, the upper edges of the side walls 12, 13 ofthe broiler transport container in FIGS. 3-8 have a bevelled portion 22which projects inwards slightly towards the inner volume of thecontainer, and a flange 23 which projects outwards away from the innervolume. The flange is designed for engagement with a bevelled edgeportion 24 of the floor 11 when containers 1, 1′ are stacked one on topof another as shown in FIG. 6, so that the upper container 1′ is able torest on the lower container 1 without a portion thereof protrudingbeyond the planes of outer sides of the side walls 12, 13 andsubstantially without limiting the opening of the inner volume as shownin FIG. 7, which is a cross-sectional view of the detail marked V-V inFIG. 6.

The pallet 2, as shown in FIG. 9, used at the bottom of the transportunit in FIGS. 6 and 8 is to provide stable support for the stack ofbroiler transport containers 1 and is provided with horizontal openings28 which are designed for engagement with the arms of a forklift truck(not shown) which is used for handling the (transport) unit 3. In thisembodiment, the pallet 2 is provided with a row of openings 27 in thesame positions as the columns 14 in the broiler transport containers 1,likewise as shown in FIG. 9, but this need not be the case.

Another embodiment of a broiler transport container 101 is shown inFIGS. 10 and 11. Reference numerals corresponding to those in FIGS. 3-9are used, but with the addition of 100, and features having suchreference numerals then have the same function unless indicatedotherwise.

This broiler transport container 101 has three support columns 114 whichare so arranged that they project from the floor 111, but the container101 is of a simpler construction, and the openings 115 are provided onlyat the upper edges of the columns 114. The shape, size and position ofthe openings can vary greatly without having a substantial negativeeffect on the strength and/or stiffness of the columns 114. With theconstruction in FIGS. 10 and 11, the risk of broilers becoming stuck isvery low.

As described above, the columns 414 form a vertical column when they arearranged one on top of another, and the lid 405 is here provided with anopening 439 as a continuation of the column. This opening can be used toposition the lid, and it will be appreciated that similar openings areprovided above the other columns 414.

The rear end of a truck or trailer 6 loaded with transport units 103,103′ composed of the type of broiler transport units 101 shown in FIGS.10 and 11 can be seen in FIG. 26. Two tiers of such transport units arearranged one on top of another on the floor 61. The transport units 103in the lower tier each comprise five broiler transport containers, whilethe transport units 103′ in the upper tier each comprise fourcontainers. The longitudinal side walls 113, which face the rear side ofthe trailer, are not shown in order to reveal the inner volumes of thebroiler transport containers. Here too, the columns 114 form verticalcommon columns 116.

Each transport unit 103, 103′ has a width which corresponds to the widthof the floor 61 of the truck trailer, so that only one row of transportunits needs to be loaded, but it will be appreciated that it is alsopossible to use broiler transport containers of a smaller size, whichare then arranged in two or more rows extending in the longitudinaldirection of the floor.

The roof 62 of the truck trailer is provided with engagement means 63which are each in engagement with one of the columns 116 duringtransport. In order to achieve this engagement, the roof can be raisedand lowered by hydraulic actuators, as is known from current broilertransport trucks and trailers, in order that the transport units can befixed in position.

After arriving at the slaughterhouse, the broilers are usually stunned,and this frequently happens while they are still in the broilertransport container. After the stunning, the broiler transport unitsmust be emptied very quickly in order to prevent the hearts of thebroilers from stopping beating before they are slaughtered. In order tofacilitate emptying, the broiler transport container 401″ can beprovided with flaps or doors 432 as shown in FIG. 20. The number offlaps or doors can vary.

All the embodiments described above are based on the use of largebroiler transport containers with three or more columns, but it is alsowithin the scope of the invention to use containers with fewer columns.

An example of a broiler transport container system with only one column14 and one recess 19 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. When such broilertransport containers are arranged one on top of another in stacks asshown in FIG. 2, the column 14 forms a common column 16 which extendsvertically through all the units, likewise as shown and described withreference to FIGS. 8 and 8B.

All the broiler transport containers have been represented and describedabove with a planar floor as shown in cross-section in the upper part ofFIG. 25, but other forms with triangular or rounded thickened portionsas shown in the middle of FIG. 25 or using a trapezoidal metal sheet asshown in the lower part of FIG. 25 are also possible. A common featureof all these embodiments is that they are composed of planar, sheet-likesections, so that the outer faces are easy to clean. Similarconsiderations apply to the outer side walls.

As described above, the column sections 414 form a vertical ventilationcolumn when they are arranged one on top of another, and the lid 405 ishere provided with an opening 439 as a continuation of the ventilationcolumn. This opening can be used to guide air into or out of the column.The opening can be provided or brought into contact with valves, bellowsor similar devices (not shown) for connection to a ventilation device ora ventilation system on the transport trailer. It will be appreciatedthat similar openings are provided above the other column sections 414.

The rear end of a truck or trailer 6 which is loaded with transportunits of the type shown in FIG. 16 but with ten containers in each stackis shown in FIG. 18. For the sake of simplicity, the reference numeralsused in FIG. 16 are likewise used here, although the number ofcontainers in the stacks is different and the reinforcing sections 430have been omitted.

Each transport unit 403 has a width which corresponds to the width ofthe floor 61 of the truck or trailer, so that only one row of transportunits needs to be loaded, but it will be appreciated that broilertransport containers of a smaller size can also be used and arranged intwo or more rows extending in the length direction of the floor.

The roof 62 of the truck or trailer is provided with a ventilationarrangement having four ventilators 63, each of which generates anoverpressure at a ventilation pipe 64 which extends over the length ofthe truck or trailer 6. Each ventilation pipe 64 branches off into a rowof outlets 65, each of which is provided directly above one of theventilation columns 416 in the transport units 403. When the roof islowered, the outlets come into engagement with the openings 439 in thelids, so that air is able to flow from the ventilation pipes 64 into theventilation columns 416 and from there into the inner volumes of thebroiler transport containers, as indicated by the arrows. In thismanner, each transport unit or each stack of units is supplied withforced ventilation. Part of the transport unit 403 situated at theoutermost end of the truck or trailer has been cut away in order toallow the ventilation columns 416 therein and the air flow to be seen.

The ends of the ventilation pipes 64 were here provided with flanges 66in order to permit a tight fit on the lids 405.

Air is able to flow out of the broiler transport containers via theventilation openings 420 in the side walls 412, 413, and it is alsopossible that the ventilation columns 416 formed by the ventilationcolumn sections 414 continue through the pallets 402 so that air is ableto escape via pallet openings 428, 438. Ventilation openings are hereshown in all four sides of the containers, but it may be expedient tohave them only in the longitudinal side walls. The truck or trailerfloor can likewise be provided with ventilation openings (not shown).

FIG. 19 shows a further method for ventilating transport units when theyare arranged on a truck or trailer 106. The transport units 103, 103′are here composed of the type of broiler transport containers 101 shownin FIGS. 10 and 11, and two tiers of such transport units are arrangedone on top of another on the floor 161. The transport units 103 in thelowermost tier each contain five broiler transport containers, while thetransport units 103′ in the uppermost tier each contain four containers.On the transport units in the second and third row from the driver'scabin, the transverse side walls of the broiler transport containershave been removed in order to show the inner volumes and ventilationcolumns 116. Openings in the lids and pallets allow common ventilationcolumns which extend from the roof 162 right to the floor 161 to beformed.

In this embodiment, the roof 162 has an inner volume 167 in which anoverpressure or a low pressure can be generated by means of aventilation device 163 arranged above the driver's cabin. When anoverpressure is generated in the inner volume 167, air is preferablyforced into the ventilation columns, as indicated by the arrows, andfrom there into the inner volumes of the broiler transport containers101 and out of the ventilation openings (not visible) in the side walls113 into a ventilation passage 136 between the transport units. Whenopenings 168 in the floor 161 of the trailer are left open, a constantcirculation through the transport units can be obtained. Thiscirculation can be assisted by the low pressure which usually occurs onthe underside of a moving truck. Ambient air can be supplied directly tothe inner volumes, or the air can be conditioned in the ventilationsystem with regard to temperature and/or humidity and/or chemicalcomposition.

An overpressure in the inner volume 167 in the roof 162 can also beachieved or assisted by leaving open a damper or a controllable flap 170in the front side of the roof so that air is forced into the innervolume as the truck travels forwards.

In very cold weather, the transport units may have to be heated. Thiscan be achieved by closing at least some of the openings 168 in thefloor 161 by dampers 169 and potentially also closing the inlet from theventilation device 163 by a damper 170 and recirculating the air asindicated by the arrows in the third row of transport units. In thismanner, the body heat of the broilers is used to gradually heat the air,but a certain amount of fresh air is typically added in order to ensurea sufficient oxygen content and regulate the carbon dioxide content.Recirculation requires an additional ventilation device which can be,for example, in the form of local fans 166 arranged at the top of eachventilation column 116. Such local fans can also be used on their own toinduce air flow into the ventilation columns.

Regulation of the ventilation can also take place in response to themeasurement, for example, of temperature and humidity in ventilation aircoming out of the ventilation openings, and sensors for measuring thoseparameters can be provided, for example, in the ventilation passages 136or on the pallets 102.

It is also possible to mix additives such as anaesthetics with the airin order to keep the broilers calm during transport. In one embodiment,this is achieved by, for example, loading CO₂ tanks onto the truck ortrailer and passing this gas into the transport units via theventilation columns, but it is also possible to collect exhaust gasesfrom the truck engine, to clean the exhaust gases sufficiently bypassing them through filters and adsorption devices which removevolatile organic compounds NOx, SOx, and possibly through an activecharcoal filter, and then to add the purified gases to the air suppliedto the transport units via the ventilation system. It is also possibleto stun the birds while they are still on the truck, but this requiresvery rapid unloading of the transport units so that the broilers areslaughtered in due time.

After the broilers have been stunned, the transport units must beemptied very quickly in order to prevent the hearts of the broilers fromstopping beating before they are slaughtered. In order to facilitateemptying of the broiler transport containers 401″, they can be providedwith flaps or doors 432 as shown in FIG. 20. The number of flaps ordoors can vary.

All the embodiments described above are based on the use of broilertransport containers having ventilation columns which extend from thefloor, but it is also within the scope of the invention to usehorizontal ventilation columns.

An example of a broiler transport container system having horizontalventilation columns is shown in FIGS. 21-23. Each broiler transportcontainer 501 here comprises two types of column sections 514 a, 514 bwhich extend into the inner volume and each have a row of ventilationopenings 515. One column section 514 a is provided as a curved portionof the floor 511, while the other 514 b extends from one outerlongitudinal side wall 513 to the other. Ventilation openings are hereprovided over the entire length of the column sections, but it wouldalso be possible to have openings only in a middle portion of one orboth column sections and/or openings having a more elongate shape.

When such broiler transport containers are stacked one on top of anotherand such stacks are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. 23, thecolumn sections 514 a, 514 b of adjacent containers for commonventilation columns 516 extend horizontally through all the units. If anoverpressure is applied to every second ventilation column 516 in thevertical direction, air enters through the ventilation openings 515 inone column of each container and emerges via openings in the othercolumn. In this manner, even containers without ventilation openings inthe floor or the side walls can be ventilated, but it is of course alsopossible to provide such openings in those containers.

FIG. 24 shows a further embodiment of a broiler transport container 601in which features from the embodiments in FIGS. 1-9 and FIGS. 21-22 arecombined. As can be seen, this container includes a column section 614which extends from one outer end side wall 612 to the other and hasventilation openings 615. Here too, the size, shape and distribution canbe different, but when containers are arranged end to end, the columnsections form a common ventilation column 616 which extends throughthem. Recesses 619 with openings 620 as described with reference toFIGS. 1-9 contribute to the ventilation and form vertical ventilationcolumns when containers are stacked one on top of another and side byside. Accordingly, this embodiment of a broiler transport containerallows horizontal and vertical ventilation columns to be combined.

All the broiler transport containers have been represented and describedabove with a planar floor 11 as shown in cross-section in the upper partof FIG. 25, but other forms with triangular or rounded thickenedportions as shown in the middle of FIG. 25 or using a trapezoidal metalsheet as shown in the lower part of FIG. 25 are also possible. A commonfeature of all these embodiments is that they are composed of planar,sheet-like sections, so that the outer surfaces are easy to clean.Similar considerations apply to the outer side walls.

Ventilation devices such as fans or compressors can be provided on anindividual stack of broiler transport containers, such as, for example,by placing a ventilation device on top of the stack at an end opening ofa common ventilation column which is composed of the ventilation columnsin the individual broiler transport containers located one above anotherin the stack, or at the bottom of such a stack, or by integrating aventilation device into a pallet support. In such embodiments, theventilation devices can follow the broiler transport unit stack and canventilate it even when the transport vehicle or the transport trailer isnot present.

In an embodiment according to FIG. 27, a broiler transport unit 3 hasouter side walls 12, 13 and seven floors in full length, each dividedinto two floors 11 by a vertical inner side wall 34 in the middlebetween side walls 12 and 13. Fourteen inner volumes are situated abovethe floors, one inner volume above each floor. Each inner volume canreceive at least five live broilers during transport to aslaughterhouse. A ventilation column 14 extends vertically through theinner volumes and through the floors in the middle of each floor. In thefirst embodiment, the broiler transport unit has two such ventilationcolumns 14. Each ventilation column 14 is provided with ventilationopenings 15 which open into the respective inner volume, so that all theinner volumes can be ventilated at the same time by applying an airpressure to channels 16 in the ventilation columns 14. In this manner,fresh air can be supplied to broilers situated at a distance from theside walls 12, 13.

Ventilation openings 15 are elongate and extend over almost the entireheight of the column. The openings in the first embodiment have a totalopening area per inner volume which corresponds to approximately 40% ofthe total area of the column in the volume, corresponding toapproximately 9% of the area of the floor of the broiler transport unit,but the openings can be shorter and/or narrower if a smaller openingarea is desired. The ventilation columns 14 are cylindrical with aconstant diameter.

One side wall 13 is provided with a recess, which corresponds in sizeand shape to half a ventilation column 14, and with a portion of aventilation column wall which is provided with ventilation openings 20,in order to form a semicircular continuous hollow ventilation column 36which is joined to the side wall 13. Air blown in via ventilationopenings 15 in the columns 14 is able to leave the inner volumes viaopenings 20. Ventilation air can also flow in the opposite directionfrom ventilation columns 36 via openings 20 to ventilation columns 16 ifa low pressure is generated in the ventilation channel 16. It is alsopossible to provide different pressures in different ventilation columns16 in order to induce a flow of air from one ventilation channel to theother so as thus to permit ventilation even when the side walls do nothave openings but the inner side wall has openings.

When transport units 3 of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 28 arearranged close together, the two semicircular ventilation columns 36 arealigned and form a common ventilation channel having a circularcross-section similar to that of the channel 16 formed by theventilation column 14. Two transport units are placed in a stackedconfiguration, and the ventilation columns 16 are strung together toform a common ventilation column. The same applies to the ventilationcolumns 36.

The rounded surfaces and the relatively large diameter of ventilationcolumns 14 and ventilation columns 36 contribute towards protecting thebroilers during transport and during loading into the transport unit. Ifa broiler hits the side of a column or recess, there are no sharp edgeswhich could otherwise cause bruising.

In the following description of further embodiments, the same referencenumerals as in the description of the first embodiment have been usedfor details having the same function, for the sake of simplicity.

The embodiments in FIGS. 27 and 28 have closed side walls and an openinner wall formed of vertical rods. It is also possible to design theouter walls 12, 13 with openings or to form the walls with rods, as inthe second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29. The second embodiment hasonly a single ventilation column 16 which extends centrally across thefloors 11.

In the third embodiment of FIG. 30, the broiler transport unit 3 hasfive parallel floors 11 which extend over the entire width of thebroiler transport unit. In this embodiment, the broiler transport unithas three ventilation columns 14 with ventilation openings 15 in theinner volumes above each floor. The three ventilation openings extendthrough the broiler transport unit 13 over the entire height thereof andhave open lower ends. Each ventilation column ends at an annular collarwhich has a slightly larger diameter than the column 14 and is mountedin the floor of the broiler transport unit, so that it is able toreceive the slightly upwardly projecting upper end of the column 14 whentwo broiler transport units are placed in a stacked configuration.

In a fourth embodiment of FIG. 31, the broiler transport unit has aventilation column which extends in the horizontal direction througheach inner volume from one side wall 12 to the opposite side wall 12.

FIG. 32 illustrates broiler transport units which are loaded onto atransport vehicle such as a trailer or a truck 6, where one broilertransport unit having five floors is situated in a bottom row andanother broiler transport unit having four floors is situated in a toprow which is stacked on the units in the bottom row. The illustratedbroiler transport units have a floor structure 2 with holes 28 for aforklift truck used to lift the unit or a stack of two units.

Each broiler transport unit 3 has a width which corresponds to the widthof the floor 61 of the truck or trailer, so that only one row of broilertransport units needs to be loaded, but it is also possible to usebroiler transport units having a smaller width and then arrange them intwo or more rows extending in the length direction of the floor.

In FIG. 19, the roof section 162 of the truck or trailer is providedwith a ventilation system, in which a ventilation apparatus 163 issituated on top of each ventilation column 14 in the broiler transportunits. In one embodiment, the ventilation system of the truck or trailercan comprise a plurality of sections which are individually adjustablein relation to a broiler transport unit or a group of broiler transportunits, so that the ventilation can be produced and activated for onetransport unit or one group of transport units while additionaltransport units are being loaded onto the truck or trailer.

The individual ventilation apparatus can also be a separate apparatuswhich is provided on the ventilation column on the broiler transportunit independently of the truck or trailer and is able to ventilateinner volumes connected to the ventilation column while the broilertransport unit is awaiting transport or further handling. Such aseparate ventilation apparatus, or a set of such separate ventilationapparatuses, can be supplied with power from a battery or a rechargeablebattery or a power supply device, such as, for example, from a solarcell device. Alternatively, the ventilation apparatus can be connectedto a power supply, such as, for example, via a plug to a stationarypower socket which is provided in the holding region of the broilertransport unit, such as, for example, on the farm after broilers havebeen loaded or at the slaughterhouse after they have been unloaded fromthe transport vehicle.

Alternatively, the ventilation system can be arranged as illustrated inFIG. 18, where a ventilation pipe 64 extends along the length of thetruck or trailer 6 and has an outlet 65 branched off from theventilation pipe 64 to each ventilation column 416 situated beneath theventilation pipe. A ventilation apparatus 63 guides ventilation air tothe ventilation pipe 64. The broiler transport units 403 illustrated inFIG. 18 each have four ventilation columns 416 and ten floors. The sidewalls 412, 413 have a row of ventilation openings 420 which are situatedin the upper portion of each inner volume.

The roof section 62 can be raised in order to create space for loadingand unloading broiler transport units. After loading, the roof sectioncan be lowered into its position on the broiler transport units again,and the mechanical forced ventilation can be activated. Ventilation airflows from the ventilation pipes 64 into the ventilation columns 416 andfrom there into each inner volume of the broiler transport units, asindicated by the arrows. In this manner, each transport unit or eachstack of units is supplied with forced ventilation. A portion of thetransport unit 403 situated at the outermost end of the truck or trailerhas been cut away in order to give a better view of the ventilationcolumns 416 therein and the air flows. Air can flow out of the broilertransport units via the ventilation openings 420 in the side walls.

In FIG. 19, the transport units in the second and third row from thedriver's cabin are not illustrated with transverse side walls, in orderto give a better view of the inner volumes and ventilation columns 116.In this embodiment, the roof section 162 has an inner volume 167 inwhich an overpressure or a low pressure can be generated by means of aventilation apparatus 163 arranged above the driver's cabin. When anoverpressure is generated in the inner volume 167 (FIG. 19), air isforced into the ventilation columns 116, as indicated by the arrows, andfrom there into the inner volumes of the broiler transport units 101 andout through the ventilation openings (not visible) in the side walls 113into ventilation passages 136 between the broiler transport units. Ifopenings 168 in the floor 161 of the trailer 106 are left open, aconstant stream of fresh ventilation air can form through the transportunits, possibly assisted by the low pressure which generally occurs atthe underside of a moving truck. Air can be taken directly from thesurroundings or can be conditioned in the ventilation system with regardto temperature and/or humidity or by recirculation.

When broiler transport units of the embodiment in FIG. 31 havinghorizontal ventilation columns are arranged side by side, the columnsections 14 of adjacent units form common ventilation columns 16 whichextend horizontally through the units. There can also be at least two,such as, for example, from two to six, horizontal ventilation columnsfor each inner volume. The higher numbers of ventilation columns aremost relevant when the broiler transport unit has a width correspondingto the width of the load space 161 and the ventilation columns arearranged in the longitudinal direction of the load space and extendbetween the opposing side walls 13 of the unit. If an overpressure isapplied to every second ventilation column 16, air enters through theventilation openings 15 in a column and emerges via openings in theintermediate column. In this manner, even broiler transport unitswithout ventilation openings of type 20 in the floor or in the sidewalls can be ventilated, but it is of course also possible to providesuch openings in these containers.

In a further embodiment, a broiler transport unit has one ventilationcolumn 14 that extends from one side wall 12 to the other in thehorizontal direction, and one ventilation column that extends in thevertical direction.

All the broiler transport units used in the transport units describedabove have been shown and described as having flat floors withoutopenings. Details of specific embodiments can be combined within thescope of the patent claims to give further embodiments. The broilertransport units can be produced with a triangular basic shape havingthree side walls or having more than four side walls in a polygonalbasic shape.

The individual ventilation column can extend wholly through the floors,or the ventilation column can be produced from sections, the individualsection being joined to a movable portion of the floor. Each floor 11can be movable in relation to the frame 33 or side walls 12, 13. The useof movable floors or movable floor sections can facilitate the loadingof broilers into the broiler transport unit.

The floors, side walls, upper wall and doors 35 can be in sheet formwithout ventilation openings, except at the ventilation columns. Thisgives a high degree of calm and shelter for the broilers and alsoshields the broilers from intense light such as sunlight.

The number and position of the ventilation columns in relation to theside walls and the other ventilation columns can vary, and the size,shape, position and number of the ventilation openings in the side wallscan also vary, including the possibility that ventilation openings areprovided only in the ventilation columns. It is also noted that thedifferent broiler transport units do not need to be identical and thatthe ventilation columns do not need to extend continuously through thetransport unit. For example, the lowermost floor of a transport unit canbe without a ventilation column section, it being possible for the innervolume above this floor to be ventilated via a hollow ventilationsection in the floor above the opening into the lowermost inner volume.

The rear end of a broiler transport trailer 6 which transports broilersto the slaughterhouse is illustrated in FIG. 18 with transport units 403each having a width corresponding to the width of the floor 61 of thetrailer. In connection with the present invention, the expressiontransport trailer is to be understood in a broad sense. The transporttrailer can be a trailer which is driven by a truck drive unit and whichcan be parked in a state in which it is disconnected from the truckdrive unit. The transport trailer can be part of an articulated truck,such as, for example, the articulated trailer, which can travelconnected to the truck and behind the truck or behind a trailer drivenby the truck drive unit. The transport trailer can have dual wheels, aplurality of chassis or simply an axle at both ends. The transporttrailer can have a standard size or a large size (XL), in particular alarge length. The transport trailer can also have a smaller size, suchas, for example, a lorry. The expression transport trailer also includesrailway wagons.

The roof 62 of the trailer is provided with a ventilation system whichcomprises four ventilation devices 63 in the form of a ventilator drivenby an electric motor which is supplied with power either by the driveunit of the trailer, a rechargeable battery on the trailer or via apower connection which is connected to a power supply on the farm, atthe slaughterhouse or at another stationary supply point. Theventilation device supplies (mechanical) forced ventilation to aventilation pipe 64 which extends over the length of the trailer 6. Theventilation pipe 64 supplies a row of branched outlets 65 withventilation air. The individual outlet 65 is in each case situated in aposition which corresponds to an end opening of a ventilation column 416in the transport units 403. When the roof 62 is lowered onto the broilertransport units, the outlets come into alignment with openings 439 atthe upper ends of the ventilation columns or are integrated therewith orcome into engagement therewith, so that ventilation air is able to flowbetween the ventilation pipes 64 and the ventilation columns 416 and viathe columns and ventilation openings therein through inner volumes ofthe broiler transport containers, as indicated by the arrows. In thismanner, each broiler transport unit or each stack of transport units issupplied with forced ventilation air. A portion of the transport unit403 situated at the outermost end of the truck or trailer has been cutaway in order to give a view of the ventilation columns 416 in theinterior and of the air flow.

In this embodiment, the ends of the ventilation pipes 64 have beenprovided with flanges 66 which permit a tight fit on the coverings 5.

The ventilation devices can be controlled individually in order toachieve ventilation conditions which are adapted to the local conditionsin the ventilation column or ventilation columns which are supplied withventilation by the ventilation device. A group of ventilation devicescan be controlled together, such as, for example, if a specialventilation air composition is to be supplied to all the inner volumesor if one side of the trailer is more exposed to sunlight than the otherside. Ventilation devices can also be controlled so that lessventilation air is supplied when the natural ventilation is high, forexample when travelling at high speed, and more ventilation air issupplied when less or no ventilation air is created by the travellingspeed.

Air can flow out of the broiler transport units via the ventilationopenings 420 in the side walls 412, 413, and it is also possible thatthe ventilation columns 416 are continued through the pallets 402 sothat air is able to escape via pallet openings 428, 438. Ventilationopenings 420 are here to be seen in all four sides of the broilertransport units, but it may be expedient to have them only in thelongitudinal side walls. The trailer floor 61 can likewise be providedwith ventilation openings (not shown).

In FIG. 18, a single row of broiler transport containers fills the floorof the trailer, but it is also possible to use broiler transport unitsof a smaller width and arrange them in two, three, four or more rowsextending in the length direction of the floor.

The ventilation system of any of the described embodiments and of otherembodiments of the invention can be used to ensure adequate ventilationof the broiler transport units 103 during loading of the truck. Loadingof a typical broiler transport truck 106 as shown in FIG. 33 in its fulllength usually takes about one hour, and it can therefore be expedientto divide the ventilation into sections as indicated by the brokenlines. When section A is fully loaded, the ventilation of that sectionis started while loading is continued in section B, then section B isconnected to the ventilation etc., until finally the ventilation insection C is started. This can be achieved simply by providing airregulating mechanisms such as dampers or valves in ventilation pipeswhich extend over the length of the truck, as shown in FIG. 18, or in aninner roof volume as in FIG. 19. The number of rows in each ventilationsection A-D can vary according to the size of the broiler transportunits and the size of the trailer, and by providing sufficientregulating mechanisms it is even possible to adjust the size of theindividual sections, for example according to the ambient temperatureand the speed with which broiler transport containers are loaded.

The ventilation can be regulated in response to the measurement, forexample, of air temperature, air humidity and/or CO₂ content either inthe air in the inner volumes of the broiler transport units or in theventilation air flowing out of the broiler transport units. Sensorswhich measure one or more of the mentioned air values can be arranged inthe broiler transport units, possibly in the pallets thereof, or in thetruck used for this purpose.

A recording system can be used for controlling the ventilation and/orfor recording different conditions of the ventilation system, of thebroiler transport units and/or of the broilers. The outlet airtemperature and air humidity and/or the CO₂ content at the outlets, forexample, can be used as indicators of the condition of the broilers,while information about the ambient air temperature and air humidity canbe used to assess a future need for adjustment. Other parameters such asventilation air temperature and air humidity as well as the transportduration etc. can be used to calculate expected values for otherparameters and to compare actual and expected values for adjusting theventilation.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a broiler transport unit 3 having outerside walls 12, 13 and five floors 11 which define five inner volumeseach of which can receive at least five live broilers during transportto a slaughterhouse. Three ventilation columns 14 on each floor togetherform three continuous hollow-cylindrical ventilation channels 16 whichare composed of the ventilation columns 14 of the five broiler transportunits 1, 1′ situated in the prolongation of one another. Each columnsection 14 is provided with ventilation openings 15 which open into therespective inner volumes, so that all the broiler transport units 1, 1′in the transport unit can be ventilated at the same time by applying anair pressure at the ventilation columns 16. In this manner, it ispossible to supply fresh air even to birds that are at a distance fromthe side walls 12, 13. The air supply can also be used for heating orcooling the inner volume of the container.

A ventilation column in a broiler transport container or in a unit canbe referred to as a ventilation column section 14 because it becomes asection of a common ventilation column which extends through a pluralityof broiler transport containers when they are stacked to form a unit,and possibly becomes part of a ventilation column which is common to twoor more broiler transport units when they are loaded onto a transporttrailer.

The broiler transport unit shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 is composed of aseries of broiler transport containers 1 stacked one on top of another,and such a container is shown in FIGS. 3-5. The floor 11 is rectangularwith two transverse side walls 12 and two longitudinal side walls 13,which together delimit the inner volume. The three columns 14 extendfrom the floor 11 upwards through the inner volume at a distance d_(T)from the transverse side walls 12 and at a distance d_(L) from thelongitudinal side walls 13. These distances d_(T), d_(L) are such thatthere is space for at least one broiler between each of the columns 14and the respective side walls 12, 13. The ventilation columns arearranged in a row along the middle longitudinal axis L of the containerand are evenly spaced.

Each column 14 is so designed that it serves as a ventilation column bybeing provided with elongate ventilation openings 15 which extend overalmost the whole height of the column. The openings here have a totalopening region which corresponds to approximately 40% of the total areaof the column, corresponding to approximately 9% of the area of thefloor of the broiler transport unit, but the openings can also besmaller and/or narrower if a smaller opening region is desired.

The columns 14 are cylindrical with a constant diameter dc, except for asmall bevelled portion 17 provided at the point of connection to thefloor 11. The bevelled portion not only reinforces the structure butalso allows a column of another container to project slightly into thecavity, as is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the height h_(C) ofthe columns 14 corresponds to the height of the side walls 12, 13, butthey can also be slightly higher so that they are able to come intoengagement with a column of another container.

The two longitudinal side walls 13 of the broiler transport unit inFIGS. 6 and 8 are provided with recesses 19 which correspond in size andshape to half a ventilation column 14, and they are also provided withventilation openings 20, but there is no bevelled portion and no cross.In order to ensure the stability of the broiler transport unit even whenit is fully loaded with broilers, a carrier 21 bridging each recess 19is provided as a continuation of the plane of the longitudinal side wall13. The carrier can also be used as a handle when the container and/orthe transport unit is handled either manually or automatically.

In the broiler transport unit 3, the recesses 19 in the side walls aresituated one above another, as is also apparent from FIGS. 6 and 8, sothat they form a semicircular, continuous, hollow ventilation column 36which is joined to the longitudinal side walls 13 and has ventilationopenings 20. Air guided via the ventilation openings 15 into theventilation columns 14 can flow out via openings 20 in the recesses 19in the side walls. Ventilation air can also flow in the oppositedirection from the openings 20 in the side walls to the ventilationcolumns, for example if a low pressure is generated in the ventilationchannel 16. It is also possible to provide different pressures indifferent ventilation columns 16 in order to induce an air flow from oneventilation column to another, so that ventilation is possible even ifthere are no specific ventilation openings in the side walls. This canbe effected by providing the individual ventilation column with aventilation device which can be controlled independently of otherventilation devices for other ventilation columns in the ventilationsystem.

When a transport unit 3 of the type shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 is arrangedclose to and in alignment with another transport unit of the same type,the recess channels 19 in those two transport units are then inalignment with one another and form a common ventilation channel havinga circular cross-section corresponding to that of the channel 16 formedby the ventilation columns 14. A similar effect can be achieved byarranging the transport unit with the longitudinal side wall 13 close toa wall or the like, in order thus to close the recesses 19 and generatea semicircular ventilation column. The ventilation column 36 so formedfunctions in the same manner as the ventilation passage 136 describedwith reference to FIG. 19.

The broiler transport unit in FIGS. 3-6 and 8 has a length of 240 cm anda width along the transverse side walls 12 of 80 cm and a diameter ofthe ventilation columns 14 of 20 cm, and the individual broilertransport units have a height of 22.5 cm. Such a broiler transport unitspans the whole width of a European standard truck trailer when it isarranged as in FIG. 18.

The pallet 2 used in FIGS. 6 and 8, which is shown on its own in FIG. 9,is provided with a row of openings 27 in the same positions as thecolumns in the broiler transport units, as is also shown in FIG. 8, sothat the ventilation columns 16 continue through the pallet. Althoughthis is not the case in this embodiment, the ventilation columns formedby the recesses 19 can likewise continue into the pallet. Horizontalopenings 28 in the pallet 2 are designed for engagement with the arms ofa forklift truck (not shown) which is used for handling the transportunit 3. These horizontal openings can contribute to the ventilation bybeing brought into communication with one of the ventilation openings16, 19, although this is not the case in the embodiment shown in FIGS.6, 8 and 9.

Another embodiment of a broiler transport container is shown in FIG. 1.This container corresponds to those in FIGS. 3-6 and 8, except that itis smaller and has a different configuration of the ventilation columns,and the same reference numerals will therefore be used.

The broiler transport container in FIG. 1 has a length and a width of120 cm, a height of 22.5 cm and a diameter of the ventilation columns 14of 20 cm. Two rows of broiler transport units composed of suchcontainers fill the width of a trailer when they are arranged side byside. The distance d_(T) to the side walls 12 without recesses isapproximately 50 cm, and the distance d_(L) to the side walls oppositethe side wall with the recess 19 is approximately 30 cm in theembodiment illustrated.

Another embodiment of a broiler transport container 101 is shown in FIG.10. Reference numerals corresponding to those in FIGS. 1, 3-6, 8, 9, 18,19, 33 are used, but with the addition of 100, and features with suchcorresponding reference numerals have the same function unless indicatedotherwise.

This broiler transport container 101 also has three ventilation columnsections 114 which are so arranged that they project from the floor 111and form a ventilation column 116. The container is of simplerconstruction, and the ventilation openings 115 are provided only at theupper edges of the ventilation sections. The ventilation openings have asmaller total opening region than those shown in FIGS. 3-6 and 8 and aresituated at head height of the broilers.

The container in FIG. 10 does not have recesses in the side walls.Instead, it is provided with a row of openings 120 in the upper portionof the longitudinal side walls 113. A flange 126 projecting away fromthe inner volume of the container serves as a spacer, so that there isalways a ventilation passage 136 along the outside of the longitudinalside walls. In addition to the vertical flow described with reference toFIG. 19, where the trailer is loaded with broiler transport unitscomposed of containers of this type, this permits a flow of ventilationair in a horizontal direction along the outsides of the side walls.

The projecting flanges 126 can also be used as handles when handling thecontainers and allow the container to be inserted into a frame systemand used in a transport unit of the prior art if required.

The trailer in FIG. 33 is likewise shown loaded with broiler transportunits composed of broiler transport containers of this type.

All the embodiments described above are based on the use of broilertransport units having ventilation column sections 14, 114 which extendfrom the floor, which means that the ventilation columns 16, 116 of thebroiler transport units also extend in a substantially verticaldirection, but it is also within the scope of the invention to usehorizontal ventilation columns.

An example of a broiler transport container system having a horizontalventilation column is shown in FIG. 24. As can be seen, this containercomprises a column section 614 which extends from one outer end sidewall 612 to the other and has ventilation openings 15. When suchcontainers are arranged end to end, the column sections form a commonventilation column 616 which extends through them, and the ventilationsystem on the trailer must then be arranged along the side of thetrailer or be provided with connecting pipes or lines which extend alongthe side. Here too, recesses 619 with openings 620 as described withreference to FIGS. 3-6 and 8 are so designed that they contribute to theventilation and form vertical ventilation columns 636 when containersare stacked one on top of another and side by side. Accordingly, thisembodiment of a broiler transport container allows horizontal andvertical ventilation columns to be combined. Alternatively, the recessescan be omitted and replaced by simple openings in the side walls or byan additional horizontal ventilation column.

As described above, a recording system can be used for controlling theventilation and/or for recording different conditions of the ventilationsystem, of the units and/or of the poultry. The recording system cancomprise a local memory unit, which follows the individual poultrytransport unit, for documenting the conditions of the welfare of theanimals. Such a local memory unit can be situated, for example, in thepallet or in a covering or in the lid of the poultry transport unit andcan be connected to a central unit for the ventilation system on thetrailer during transport. Alternatively, the recording system can besupplied with the detected values, which are stored in a memory, orprint-outs of detected values are another means of storing theinformation. It is also possible that the detected values aretransmitted online to a central unit which is situated on the farm or atthe slaughterhouse or at the retail supplier who sells the poultry tocustomers. In this manner, for example, end consumers can have accessfor checking the transport conditions for the poultry.

The poultry transport units 3 comprise a plurality of floors in astack-like configuration. The plurality of floors can be contained in acommon structure, such as, for example, conventional container transportsystems, wherein the outer side walls are common to all the floors inthe transport unit, and the floors can be removed at least partiallywith respect to the side walls in order to provide access for poultry.

The ventilation columns 16 in the poultry transport units 3 end inventilation column end openings 39. This applies to both horizontal andvertical ventilation columns. The ventilation system has a ventilationopening which is situated at the individual ventilation column endopening 39. In an alternative embodiment of the ventilation system, theventilation system has a ventilation device which is situated at theindividual ventilation column end opening 39. In such an arrangement,the ventilation for each ventilation column can be controlledindividually if the ventilation system is equipped with a regulatingsystem or control system for the individual ventilation device.

On arrival at a slaughterhouse, the poultry transport units must beunloaded from the trailer. One possible method of doing this is shown inFIG. 34, where two trucks with poultry transport trailers 6 are parkedin an unloading region next to a receiving system 7.

One trailer 6 is parked as a direct continuation of a conveyor 71 in thepoultry receiving system, so that the poultry transport units 3 on thefloor or on the trailer can be transferred directly to the conveyor bybeing pushed or pulled in the longitudinal direction of the trailer.This can be effected by semi-automatic or automatic actuators, which areso designed that they engage poultry transport units and which can beintegrated into the trailer or into the receiving system.

The other trailer 6 is parked parallel to the conveyor, so that thetransport units can be pushed or pulled sideways from the trailer andonto the conveyor. This sideways unloading allows the system to beunloaded quickly because all the poultry transport units can be dealtwith at the same time and an external unit (not shown) for pushing thepoultry transport units from the trailer can be arranged at the side ofthe trailer opposite the conveyor, but it is of course also possible touse semi-automatic or automatic actuators which are integrated into thetrailer or into the receiving system.

The conveyor 71 of the receiving system 7 here also serves as a deliverysystem for delivering poultry transport units to a CAS (controlledatmosphere stunning) apparatus 72 by transferring poultry transportunits received from the trailers directly to the CAS apparatus. One ormore poultry transport units can enter the CAS apparatus at the sametime and, although not shown here, it is also possible to incorporate ade-stacker for dividing poultry transport units 3 composed of poultrytransport units 1 into individual poultry transport units 1 before theyenter the CAS apparatus.

FIG. 35 illustrates a poultry transport unit 3 situated in a chamber ofthe CAS apparatus. The apparatus has a ventilation device 200 with anarrangement of four outlet openings 201 which are so arranged that theyare connected to the ventilation column end opening 39 of the poultrytransport unit when a movable support 202 in the chamber has moved thepoultry transport unit upwards into an end position. Controlledatmosphere gas, such as air having a specific carbon dioxide content, ispassed through a supply line 203 into a distributor 204 whichdistributes the controlled atmosphere gas to each outlet opening 201.From the outlet opening 201, the gas is passed into the ventilationcolumns and out via ventilation gas outlet openings situated in theinner volumes of the poultry transport unit 3. The number of outletopenings 201 in the distributor is matched to the number of ventilationcolumn end openings 39 in the poultry transport unit and, if theventilation columns are horizontal, the distributor is situated at theside of the chamber so that it coincides with the positions ofventilation column end openings 39.

In one embodiment (not shown), the CAS apparatus has a chamber which isof a size to receive a single poultry transport unit 1 having a singleventilation column end opening, and in this embodiment the supply lineis situated without a distributor in direct flow connection with asingle outlet opening 201. This embodiment is very compact and provideseffective stunning. In another embodiment, the CAS apparatus has achamber which is of a size to receive a single poultry transport unit 1having two ventilation column end openings, and in this embodiment thesupply line is situated in direct flow connection with two outletopenings 201 by the formation of a single branch line in the end regionof the supply line without an actual distributor. In another embodiment,the CAS apparatus has a chamber which is of a size to receive a singlepoultry transport unit 1 having three ventilation column end openings,and in this embodiment the supply line is in direct flow connection withthree outlet openings 201 by the formation of two branch lines in theend region of the supply line.

Poultry transports sometimes arrive at the slaughterhouse at the sametime, when there is no available capacity in the stunning apparatus, andthe trailers are then parked in a poultry lairage region 8, as is shownin the bottom part of FIG. 34. Each trailer 6′ is coupled via a cableand/or a line connection 82 to a supply unit 81, each supply unit havingone or more supply sockets for operating the ventilation system on thetrailer, so that the ventilation columns extending into the innervolumes of the poultry transport units continue to be ventilated asdescribed above. In this manner, the poultry transport units can be kepton the trailer during lairage.

The supply units typically supply power to an on-board ventilationsystem on the trailer, but they can additionally or alternatively supplycooled or dehumidified air or other fluids. Preferably, the on-boardrecording system, where present, continues to detect and documentrelevant parameters during the lairage period, and the delivery unit canalso include sensors for detecting such parameters and may be incommunication with the on-board recording system.

When the stunning and slaughtering sections are ready to receive thepoultry transport units, the connection 82 is separated from the supplysockets of the supply unit and the trailer is brought into the unloadingregion 7 and unloaded as described above. In this embodiment, only twosupply units are shown, but it is of course also possible to providefurther supply units. It is likewise noted that the lairage region isusually an outside region, but a covering can be provided in order toprotect the supply units from the weather.

As has been described in detail, the invention is directed in particularto the transport of the slaughter-ready broilers. However, a furtherpreferred field of use of the invention will be described with referenceto FIGS. 36 to 39. The above-described containers and units of two ormore containers are suitable in particular also for rearing, startingwith day-old chicks to slaughter-ready broilers, which can then betransported to the slaughterhouse by the transport trailer describedabove.

The container 701 is designed and configured for permanentlyaccommodating the poultry during rearing of the chicks until they areslaughter-ready broilers and for transporting the broilers. Thecontainer 701 comprises a floor 711 and four side walls 712, 713. Atleast one of the side walls 735 is in the form of a pivotable flap,swing door, sliding element or the like in order to facilitate access tothe inner volume. A column section 714 or a column 716 in the form of aventilation or air outflow column is preferably provided in the middle.The column section 714 or column 716 can optionally additionally be inthe form of a support column in order to improve the stacking of aplurality of such containers 701 to form a unit. The number and theposition of the column sections 714 or columns 716 can vary. Openings720 are provided in at least one side wall 713 in order to ensureventilation circulation. The container 701 additionally comprises asupply for supplying feed. In the example shown, a container 750 forwater and a container 751 for feed are provided. The containers 750, 751are preferably arranged in corner regions of the container 701 and canbe filled from outside. The containers 750, 751 can also be in the formof separate components or and in combination with the column section 714or the column 716.

A plurality of such containers 701 can be stacked to form a unit 703(see FIG. 37). In this representation, two units 703 are each placed ona pallet 702 and connected on the one hand to a central ventilationsystem 763 and on the other hand to a central feed supply 764 and formthe arrangement 700, which can be placed as desired and extended asdesired. A separate supply 765 for water and a separate supply 766 forfeed are preferably provided. In FIG. 36, an agricultural enterprise 800is shown by way of example. An arrangement 700 is arranged in asheltered region, for example a barn or the like. With reference to FIG.39, the agricultural enterprise 800 is only part of an agriculturalplant 900 which comprises, in addition to the agricultural enterprise800 as a nesting house, a breeding station 810 before it and a rearinghouse 820 after it. The plant 900 can optionally also include a shed 830for male and female breeding animals. Starting from the breeding station810, the day-old chicks can remain in their containers permanently untilthey are transported, and in particular also during transport asslaughter-ready broilers, because on the one hand they are optimallyventilated and on the other hand they are supplied with sufficient feed.However, the containers 701 serve in particular for rearing the broilersfor the first 20 days of the life cycle of a broiler, before thebroilers are set down on the floor of the shed until they are ready forslaughter. The container 701 and plant 900 ensure that the broilers arekept in a particularly space-saving and environmentally friendly manner,accompanied by an improved rearing situation for the individualbroilers. By accommodating the broilers at least for the first 20 days,more rapid growth of the broilers is also achieved.

Details of the individual embodiments can be combined into furtherembodiments within the scope of the patent claims.

1. A broiler container having a floor and side walls defining an innervolume which is designed and configured to receive and accommodate atleast five live broilers, wherein the broiler container is designed andconfigured to be stackable with broiler containers of the sameconstruction and has at least one ventilation opening and at least oneair outflow opening, characterized in that the broiler containercomprises at least one segment of a ventilation or air outflow columnwhich extends through the inner volume and has at least one ventilationor air outflow opening at a distance from the side walls, wherein eachsegment of the ventilation or air outflow column is designed andconfigured for connection to corresponding segments of broilercontainers of the same construction and also for connection to an activeventilation system.
 2. The broiler container according to claim 1,characterized in that it is of a size and is also designed andconfigured for transporting the broilers.
 3. The broiler containeraccording to claim 1, characterized in that the broiler container has acarrying capacity of at least 45 kg/m² and in that the at least oneventilation or air outflow opening of the segment of the ventilation orair outflow column is situated in the inner volume at a distance of atleast 0.17 m from the side walls.
 4. The broiler container according toclaim 1, characterized in that the broiler container has four side wallswhich form two pairs of opposing side walls, in that the at least onesegment for forming at least one ventilation or air outflow columnextends from the floor upwards through the inner volume, in that the atleast one ventilation or air outflow column is preferably formedintegrally with the floor, and in that the at least one ventilation orair outflow column is optionally situated in at least one row betweenone pair of opposing side walls at a distance of approximately D/(N+1),where D is the distance between the one pair of opposing side walls andN is the number of ventilation or air outflow columns in the at leastone row.
 5. The broiler container according to claim 1, characterized inthat the or each ventilation or air outflow column has an outsidediameter in the range of from 7 cm to 30 cm, such as, for example, inthe range of from 10 cm to 24 cm, preferably in the range of from 12 cmto 21 cm.
 6. The broiler container according to claim 1, characterizedin that the opening areas in the or each ventilation or air outflowcolumn have a total area in the range of from 0.5% to 10% of the area ofthe floor of the broiler container, preferably in the range of from 1.5%to 7% of the area of the floor and particularly preferably in the rangeof from 2% to 4% of the area of the floor.
 7. The broiler containeraccording to claim 1, characterized in that, in addition to the or eachventilation or air outflow column that is situated at a distance fromthe side walls, at least one side wall is provided with at least oneventilation column part wall having ventilation or air outflow openings.8. The broiler container according to claim 1, characterized in that, inaddition to the or each segment of a ventilation or air outflow columnwhich has at least one ventilation or air outflow opening and isconfigured to be at a distance from all the side walls, there isprovided at least one further segment of a ventilation or air outflowcolumn which has at least one ventilation or air outflow opening and isformed in the side walls.
 9. The broiler container according to claim 8,characterized in that the or each segment of a ventilation or airoutflow column whose ventilation or air outflow openings are formed at adistance from the side walls, is itself arranged at a distance from theside walls and has a circular cross-section, while the or each segmentof a ventilation or air outflow column, whose ventilation or air outflowopenings are formed in the side walls, is part of a side wall and haseither a semicircular or a quadrant-shaped cross-section.
 10. Thebroiler container according to claim 1, characterized in that at leastone ventilation or air outflow column extends in the broiler containerfrom one side wall into the inner volume towards another side wall. 11.The broiler container according to claim 1, characterized in that the oreach ventilation or air outflow column has a substantially hollowdistribution channel, preferably a hollow centre, which extends over thelength of the ventilation or air outflow column.
 12. The broilercontainer according to claim 1, characterized in that the or eachventilation or air outflow column extending from the floor upwardsthrough the inner volume has a height such that it can be joined to aventilation or air outflow column in a further broiler container whichis stacked on top of the broiler container.
 13. The broiler containeraccording to claim 1, characterized in that each ventilation or airoutflow column comprises at its upper end a broiler barrier, preferablya broiler barrier that extends across the end opening.
 14. The broilercontainer according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of thebroiler container is in the range of from 0.50 m to 1.30 m andpreferably in one of the following ranges: a) from 0.50 m to 0.70 m, b)from 0.70 m to 0.90 m, and c) from 1.10 m to 1.30 m, preferablyapproximately 1.2 m, and in that the width of the broiler container isin the range of from 0.50 m to 1.30 m and preferably in one of thefollowing ranges: a) from 0.50 m to 0.70 m, b) from 0.70 m to 0.90 m,and c) from 1.10 m to 1.30 m, and particularly preferably approximately1.2 m.
 15. The broiler container according to claim 1, characterized inthat at least some of the side walls are in sheet form and preferablyall the side walls and the floor are in sheet form and closed, apartfrom locations for the segments of the ventilation or air outflowcolumns and/or ventilation or air outflow openings.
 16. The broilercontainer according to claim 1, characterized in that the broilercontainer is made of a plastics material, preferably as an injectionmoulded integral part.
 17. The broiler container according to claim 1,characterized in that there are provided at least two ventilation or airoutflow columns which extend from the floor upwards through the innervolume.
 18. The broiler container according to claim 1, characterized inthat the or each ventilation or air outflow column has elongateventilation or air outflow openings, each having a longitudinal axiswhich is oriented with the longitudinal axis in the longitudinaldirection of the ventilation or air outflow column.
 19. The broilercontainer according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of thebroiler container is in the range of from 2.10 m to 2.80 m, preferablyapproximately 2.4 m, and in that the width of the broiler container isin the range of from 0.70 m to 2.6 m, preferably in the range of from0.70 m to 0.90 m and particularly preferably approximately 0.80 m. 20.The broiler container according to claim 1, characterized in that it hasat least one supply which is designed and configured for supplying feedinto the inner volume.
 21. The broiler container according to claim 1,characterized in that at least one side wall is designed to be movablein particular as an inspection flap, in such a manner that it can beopened and shut.
 22. The broiler container according to claim 1,characterized in that a supply for water and a supply for feed are eachprovided in the region of the side walls.
 23. The broiler containeraccording to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of thesegments, extending from the floor upwards through the inner volume, ofthe ventilation or air outflow columns arranged at a distance from allthe side walls is in the form of a support element, in such a mannerthat the support element has the height to support the floor of afurther, stacked broiler container.
 24. A unit, designed and configuredto receive and accommodate live broilers during rearing and/or duringtransport of the broilers to a slaughterhouse and/or while the livebroilers are awaiting processing in the region of the slaughterhouse,comprising at least two broiler containers, characterized in that thebroiler containers are designed according to claim 1, whereincorresponding segments of the ventilation or air outflow columns of thebroiler containers which form the unit and are located next to oneanother and/or above one another each form common ventilation or airoutflow columns extending through all the inner volumes.
 25. The unitaccording to claim 24, characterized in that at least two broilercontainers are stacked one above another, wherein the or each segment ofa ventilation or air outflow column, which extends in the individualbroiler container from the floor upwards, is joined to at least onesegment of a ventilation or air outflow column in the other broilercontainers of the stack, so that at least one common ventilation or airoutflow channel is formed in the unit.
 26. The unit according to claim24, characterized in that it has at least three floors which define theinner volumes, and at least one ventilation or air outflow opening ofthe common ventilation or air outflow column is provided in each innervolume.
 27. The unit according to claim 24, characterized in that itfurther comprises a pallet for receiving the stack formed of at leasttwo broiler containers, as well as a covering element for closing theuppermost inner volume in the stack.
 28. The unit according to claim 27,characterized in that the pallet comprises adapters in the form ofventilation or air outflow column sections which are designed andconfigured for connecting the ventilation or air outflow columns of twounits arranged one above the other.
 29. The unit according to claim 24,characterized in that it is designed and configured for connection to acentral system for supplying the broilers with feed and/or to a centralsystem for forced ventilation of the broilers with a gas.
 30. The unitaccording to claim 26, characterized in that the at least oneventilation or air outflow column is produced in sections, and in thatat least one of the floors is movable and is joined to a section of theventilation or air outflow column.
 31. An arrangement comprising atleast one unit according to claim 24 and at least one ventilation systemwhich is designed and configured to actively ventilate the or each unit.32. The arrangement according to claim 31, characterized in that theventilation system is designed and configured to ventilate the or eachunit with a gas.
 33. The arrangement according to claim 31,characterized in that it further comprises at least one system forsupplying the or each unit with feed.
 34. A transport trailer designedand configured to transport one or more units according to claim 24,which are designed and configured to receive and accommodate livebroilers, to a slaughterhouse, characterized in that the transporttrailer comprises a ventilation system which is adapted to ventilate theunits.
 35. The transport trailer according to claim 34, characterized inthat the ventilation system has ventilation devices for ventilating livebroilers in the units, which are arranged in rows on the trailer,wherein the transport trailer is so designed that the units can beloaded in an arrangement of individual ventilation or air outflow columnsections in the units of at least one row, which form common ventilationor air outflow columns which extend within the inner volumes of theunits, wherein the common ventilation or air outflow columns have endopenings, and in that the ventilation system is so designed that aplurality of end openings are ventilated via ventilation devices on thetransport trailer.
 36. The transport trailer according to claim 35,wherein the units in at least one row comprise at least one common inletventilation column for guiding ventilation air to the inner volumes inthe units and at least one common outlet ventilation column for guidingventilation air out of the inner volumes in the units, and wherein theventilation system is so designed that it ventilates at least the endopenings of the common inlet ventilation columns.
 37. The transporttrailer according to claim 35, wherein the ventilation system isdesigned to ventilate the end openings of the common inlet ventilationcolumns with ventilation air from the ventilation devices, and whereinthe ventilation system has controllable flaps which are arranged atleast at one end, preferably at a lower end, of the common outletventilation columns in order to open or close the region of the commonoutlet ventilation openings wholly or partially.
 38. The transporttrailer according to claim 35, wherein ventilation devices areindividually controllable independently of the speed of travel of thetransport trailer, preferably for delivering at least a presetventilation rate (m³ air per second), preferably at least 0.05 m³/s, forexample at least 0.12 m³/s, advantageously at least 0.18 m³/s, andwherein optionally at least one ventilation device is mounted at the endopening of the common ventilation column ventilated thereby.
 39. Thetransport trailer according to claim 35, wherein the ventilation systemcomprises a recording system and sensors for detecting and recordingparameters selected from the group a) ventilation air temperature, b)ventilation air humidity, c) ambient air temperature, d) ambient airhumidity, e) outlet air temperature, f) outlet air humidity, g) CO₂content in outlet air, h) transport duration, i) lairage duration, j)vibration level, k) noise level and l) light intensity.
 40. Thetransport trailer according to claim 34, wherein the transport trailerhas a ventilation system having ventilation devices and ventilationopenings with forced ventilation, such as, for example, fans andchannels having openings, for ventilating the units, wherein the unitsin the loaded state on the trailer comprise a plurality of floorsurfaces which are arranged in stacks on the transport trailer, andwherein an inner volume for receiving broilers is present above theindividual floor surface, wherein the ventilation system on thetransport trailer is arranged to supply at least 20 separate ventilationcolumn end openings with mechanical ventilation, wherein the individualventilation column end opening is situated on a side face of a unit atthe end of a ventilation or air outflow column which extends into theinner volume or volumes of the unit while the unit is temporarily loadedonto the transport trailer.
 41. The transport trailer according to claim34, wherein the ventilation system on the transport trailer has at leasttwo ventilation openings for each stack, which ventilation openings areso arranged that they are situated next to at least two ventilationcolumn end openings on the stack when the stack has been loaded onto thetransport trailer.
 42. The transport trailer according to claim 34,wherein the ventilation system has at least 20 ventilation openingsand/or ventilation devices which are arranged on the roof of thetransport trailer or on the floor of the transport trailer in positionswhich correspond to upwardly facing ventilation column end openings onthe units which are temporarily placed on the transport trailer.
 43. Thetransport trailer according to claim 34, wherein the transport trailer)is provided with a CO₂ supply system which provides the ventilation airwith a CO₂ content preferably in the range of from 3 to 22 vol. %, andthe CO₂ supply system preferably receives CO₂ from exhalation air of thepoultry and/or from exhaust gases from the transport drive vehicle. 44.A method for ventilating live broilers during rearing and/or duringtransport of the broilers to the slaughterhouse and/or while the livebroilers are awaiting processing in the region of the slaughterhouse,using at least one broiler container according to claim
 1. 45. Themethod according to claim 44, characterized in that it serves toventilate offloadable units on a transport trailer, wherein the units onthe transport trailer comprise a plurality of floor regions which arearranged in rows on the transport trailer, and wherein an inner volumeis present above the individual floor region for receiving broilers, andwherein a ventilation system having ventilation devices supplies forcedventilation air to the units, wherein the ventilation system suppliesforced ventilation to a plurality of ventilation or air outflow columnsections, in that the individual ventilation or air outflow columnsection extending into the inner volume(s) of the unit guides the forcedventilation air through ventilation or air outflow openings which arepositioned on the ventilation or air outflow column section in the innervolume of the unit, and in that individual ventilation or air outflowcolumn sections of units in a row form common ventilation or air outflowcolumns, wherein these common ventilation or air outflow columns guidethe forced ventilation air to ventilation or air outflow column sectionssituated in the row.
 46. The method according to claim 45, wherein theventilation system of the transport trailer guides forced ventilationair to and/or from ventilation or air outflow column sections in unitswhich are situated at one end of rows, preferably at an upper end ofrows extending downwards or at a front end of rows extending to the rearend of the transport trailer or at a side end of rows extending in thewidth direction of the transport trailer.
 47. The method according toclaim 46, wherein the units are loaded onto the transport trailer in apredetermined pattern, the ventilation or air outflow column sectionsbeing joined together to form common ventilation or air outflow columns.48. The method according to claim 45, wherein at least one ventilationor air outflow section of the ventilation system is activated and beginsto ventilate loaded units while further units are being loaded onto thetransport trailer.
 49. The method according to claim 45, whereinventilation or air outflow air supplied to ventilation or air outflowpipe sections in the units flows from the ventilation or air outflowopenings within the units and out of the ventilation or air outflowopenings at side walls of the units.
 50. The method according to claim45, wherein ventilation or air outflow air supplied to ventilation orair outflow pipe sections in the units flows from ventilation or airoutflow openings at side walls of the units to the ventilation or airoutflow openings within the units.
 51. The method according to claim 45,wherein the ventilation system on the transport trailer receivesventilation air from the units and recirculates at least a portion ofthe received ventilation air to the units as ventilation air.
 52. Themethod according to claim 45, wherein one or more of the parameters a)air temperature, b) air humidity and c) CO₂ content is/are measured inair in ventilation air received from the units.
 53. The method accordingto claim 51, wherein the amount of recirculated air is preferably soregulated, in dependence on at least one of the measured parameters,that the amount increases if the air temperature is below apredetermined temperature value, or the amount decreases if the airhumidity is above a limit value, or the amount decreases if the CO₂content is above a predetermined value.
 54. The method according toclaim 45, wherein the ventilation system supplies ventilation air to allthe units on the transport trailer in an amount in the range of from10,000 m³/h to 100,000 m³/h, preferably in the range of from 30,000 m³/hto 80,000 m³/h.
 55. The method according to claim 44 which serves totransport live poultry to a slaughterhouse and to receive live poultryat the slaughterhouse, wherein poultry is accommodated during transportin units having at least two floors, wherein live poultry arrives at theslaughterhouse in units on a transport trailer of a vehicle, wherein thetransport trailer comprises a ventilation system which suppliesventilation air into the individual poultry transport unit viaventilation or air outflow openings situated within the inner volumesabove the floors of the units carrying the poultry, wherein the units,after arrival at the slaughterhouse, remain on the transport trailerduring lairage and the ventilation system is operated during lairage.56. The method according to claim 55, wherein the units, after lairage,are transferred from the transport trailer to a CAS (controlledatmosphere stunning) apparatus, and the controlled atmosphere iseffected by mechanical ventilation directly into ventilation linesextending into the interior of the unit to at least one gas outletopening in each inner volume in the unit that contains poultry.
 57. Themethod according to claim 55, wherein a recording system detects andrecords parameters selected from the group a) ventilation airtemperature, b) ventilation air humidity, c) outlet air temperature, d)outlet air humidity, e) CO₂ content in outlet air, f) ambienttemperature, g) ambient humidity, h) transport duration, i) lairageduration, j) vibration level, k) noise level and l) light intensity. 58.The method according to claim 57, wherein at least the parameters c)outlet temperature and d) outlet air humidity are detected and recorded.59. The method according to claim 57, wherein the transport trailerreceives a plurality of units or a plurality of stacks of units, andwherein the recording system detects and records the chosen parametersfor the individual unit or the individual stack of units.
 60. A poultryslaughterhouse having a poultry lairage region for live poultry using atleast one broiler container according to claim
 1. 61. A poultryslaughterhouse having a poultry lairage region for live poultry using atleast one unit according to claim
 24. 62. A poultry slaughterhousehaving a poultry lairage region for live poultry using at least onearrangement according to claim
 31. 63. A poultry slaughterhouse having apoultry lairage region for live poultry using at least one transporttrailer according to claim
 34. 64. A method for ventilating livebroilers during rearing and/or during transport of the broilers to theslaughterhouse and/or while the live broilers are awaiting processing inthe region of the slaughterhouse, using at least one unit according toclaim
 24. 65. A method for ventilating live broilers during rearingand/or during transport of the broilers to the slaughterhouse and/orwhile the live broilers are awaiting processing in the region of theslaughterhouse, using at least one arrangement according to claim 31.66. A method for ventilating live broilers during rearing and/or duringtransport of the broilers to the slaughterhouse and/or while the livebroilers are awaiting processing in the region of the slaughterhouse,using at least one transport trailer according to claim 34.